The airport's owners said thousands of new jobs would be created

The Keep The Marsh Special Alliance and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) both oppose the proposals for London Ashford Airport, at Lydd.

Campaigners told Shepway District Council that the expansion threatens the environment and people's quality of life in the Romney Marsh area.

The airport's owners submitted planning applications for an extended runway and a new passenger terminal.

Shepway Council is carrying out public consultation before any decisions are made.

The Keep The Marsh Special Alliance said a busier airport would lead to more noise and traffic congestion.

Groups objecting to the development of Lydd are making wild claims about flight paths and jets screaming over rooftops Zaher Deir, London Ashford Airport's managing director

Their council presentation on Wednesday afternoon was followed by an RSPB public meeting.

Regional director Chris Corrigan said: "The area is internationally important for its wildlife, including tens of thousands of birds, and there's a nuclear power station right next door.

"Taken together, these factors really should put a lid on Lydd."

Meanwhile, the airport itself has hired a Boeing 737 plane in order to carry out take-off and landing trials.

Managing director Zaher Deir said it was aimed at easing residents' fears over the impact of passenger jets.

"Groups objecting to the development of Lydd are making wild claims about flight paths and jets screaming over rooftops.

"By arranging this visit everybody who lives on Romney Marsh and throughout the rest of Shepway can see the truth for themselves," Mr Deir said.