ASHFORD Borough Council (ABC)is to oppose the controversial planned expansion of Lydd Airport.

At a planning committee meeting last night, councillors voted to object to the plans, which would see the runway lengthened to be suitable for commercial jets, and a new terminal built.

The decision on whether to permit the application rests with Shepway council, but as the neighbouring local authority, ABC has a consulting role.

Planning officers at ABC had recommended that the council object to the proposal, on the grounds that the airport owners had not sufficiently addressed concerns about noise or safety. They added that they did not think the expansion would bring tourism to Ashford.

Shepway council's decision on the application will be made on January 30, but there are likely to be further planning appeals, whatever the outcome.