Press Release

Issued by London Ashford Airport Ltd.

March 4, 2010

Proposals to develop Lydd Airport into a successful modern regional airport took a giant step forward last night (Wednesday 3 March) after Shepway District Council voted 2-to-1 in favour of passing a resolution to grant approval for two planning applications.

Following a heated seven-hour debate which ended at 2am, councillors voted by 27 votes to 12 to allow the construction of a 294m runway extension plus a 150m starter apron and new terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year. Two councillors abstained.

SDC officers had recommended that consent be refused. Lydd Airport Managing Director Jonathan Gordon said the council’s decision to support the £25 million investment plan was “a victory for the people of Shepway”. He said councillors had boosted the district’s future economic prospects by voting yes.

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created at the airport and in the wider community as the site is developed. “We put forward a compelling case for allowing the controlled development of the airport and when councillors took stock of the overwhelming body of evidence in front of them, they were persuaded to vote in a positive way. They have made the right choice for the future of our community.”

The airport’s plans to modernise and develop the Romney Marsh site had the backing of many residents and business groups, while opposition was voiced by other residents, environmentalists and the RSPB. Mr Gordon also thanked supporters for their tireless efforts to back the airport’s development plans.