The expansion plans have split local opinion down the middle

Pro and anti-expansion protesters were at a Shepway council meeting discussing Lydd Airport on Wednesday evening.

Its owners want to be able to handle jet aircraft and increase the number of passengers they carry up to two million every year.

The council's Liberal Democrats opposed the plan, but a decision was deferred until a planning application is made.

The airport is located on the Romney Marsh, in the south-east corner of Kent, close to several wildlife and conservation areas.

This is what it is all about - jobs Romney Marsh resident, Graham Snell

The Lydd Airport Action Group is strongly against the expansion plans.

Its supporters protested with banners and placards outside the Shepway council meeting.

The group's head, Louise Barton, said: "It [the expansion] will wipe out vast areas of the Romney Marsh.

"There will be a huge loss of habitat, noise and air pollution and the loss of the tourist industry on the marsh."

The airport expansion would allow larger planes to operate

But the owners of Lydd Airport have also been receiving support for their plans, from people who think a larger enterprise will help employment prospects in the area.

More than 150 people have signed a pro-airport petition, while the new Friends of Lydd Airport Group is beginning its campaign of support.

Local resident Graham Snell said: "This is what it is all about - jobs. We need the jobs on the Romney Marsh and in the parish of Lydd."

Lydd Airport's managing director, Zak Deir, said: "We have always believed that there is a considerable amount of support among the local population on the Romney Marsh for our plans to improve the airport."