Protests from the RSPB about the development of Lydd Airport have been slammed by its new managing director.

Cliff Spink has criticised the regional office of the RSPB for dismissing the airports attempts at solutions to minimising the airport’s expansions impact on birdlife.

The attack comes as the airport announces it has spent £1.7m and thousands of man hours preparing reports and undertaking environmental studies to support its planning applications.

Mr Spink said: “I have come to the conclusion that no matter how many studies we undertake the RSPB will always find reason to criticise.

“We have carried out over three and a half years worth of detailed environmental and ornithological studies.

“These have included studying the impact of noise on bird populations of conservation importance, a study on the impact of bird control programmes and a 2006/07 wintering bird survey.

“Despite this the RSPB continues to adopt a negative stance towards Lydd. I believe it is simply trying to delay the development of the airport.”

More than 20 volumes of information have been produced since December 2006 when the airport submitted its proposals for a runway extension and new terminal building to Shepway District Council.

Since then plans have been on hold while Shepway District Council awaited the results of the reports.

The proposed new terminal building would be capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

The 294 metre runway extension would also have an additional 150 metre starter extension.

But the RSPB maintains Lydd is a fundamentally inappropriate place to operate a large airport.

RSPB regional director for South East Chris Corrigan said: “The airport may have attempted to produce plans that show there will be no negative impacts on the area’s wildlife but to date the RSPB does not believe they have been successful.

“As a result the RSPB will continue work to see the plans for the expansion of Lydd Airport are rejected by Shepway District Council or at a Public Inquiry.

“We believe the expanded airport will lead to increased pollution levels that will in turn damage the unique collection of plants and wildlife that lives in Dungeness’ fragile ecology."