A decision on plans to expand Lydd Airport has been delayed once again.

Shepway District Council were due to consider plans for a runway extension and a new passenger terminal building to cater for half a million travellers a year next Thursday, July 9 - but this week the local authority announced the meeting has been put off until Wednesday, September 23.

The delay has been at the request of the owners of the airport. They also wanted the publication of a report by council officers postponed. The Kentish Express believes the report recommends the plans be refused - although the final decision rests with councillors.

The chief executive of Shepway council Alistair Stewart said: “I don’t think it’s appropriate to postpone the publication of the report, however I have decided to reschedule the meeting. It will now be held on Wednesday 23 September and not Thursday 9 July as originally planned.

“Although there is no legal requirement for me to reschedule the meeting, I believe doing this will be useful and helpful and will give all parties - both for and against the expansion plans - more time to properly and fully consider the report, which is long, complex and often technical.”

The report was to be made available at council offices and at www.shepway.gov.uk from yesterday, Wednesday July 1.