Decision on Lydd Airport expansion plan further delayed

Shepway councillors voted in favour of the plans in March

A decision on whether Lydd Airport in Kent should be allowed to expand has been delayed again, until 30 June.

Shepway councillors approved the plans for a runway extension and a new terminal building in March.

The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) has since been considering whether to allow the £25m development or to call it in for a public inquiry.

The airport's managing director, Jonathan Gordon, said the additional delay was frustrating.

But he said he understood that Eric Pickles, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, might need more time to give the case "his full and proper consideration".

"I remain very confident that Mr Pickles will make the right decision for the sake of new jobs in Shepway, for investment in the future for our young people and for the wellbeing of our local communities," Mr Gordon said.