KWCA join 4 Million people in opposing Airport Plans

KWCA have become a 'prime objector' to the airport expansion plans at Cliffe marshes and join groups with a total exceeding 4m members

The groups which also include RSPB members have united to fight airport expansion, believing that there is no case for another runway in the south of England and that potential demand for air travel is grossly overestimated.

National conservation, environment, heritage and wildlife organisations joined anti-expansion groups from Birmingham, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Rugby and Stansted, as well as opponents of the proposed site at Cliffe in Kent, to sign a joint statement against development at any of the sites proposed.

They said growth would destroy countryside, wildlife and heritage, and damage communities through poor air quality, increased noise and traffic, and add pressure for more homes around airports. The extra flights would increase carbon dioxide emission and damage the government's effort to curb climate change.

Some 80% of UK air travel is for holidays abroad, taking out far more money than comes in from visitors. Last year the net deficit was £15.2bn. With aircraft fuel free of tax, VAT exemptions on airline tickets, and duty-free concessions, the sector enjoys the equivalent of a £9.2bn annual subsidy from the Treasury, raising, the statement said, an artificially inflated demand to unsustainable levels. The statement was published on the last day of the government's consultation on its white paper on airport expansion, due in the autumn.

The coalition, believing there is massive opposition to the government's plans, said the white paper "could be a recipe for years of continuing conflict between government, industry and communities".

For details of proposals click here.
For local 'No airport' action group click here.

Back to 'Kent Airport plans' page.