Government approve Stansted expansion
09.10.08
Controversial plans for an expansion of Stansted Airport have been approved by the government. BAA will be allowed to increase passenger numbers from 25 million to 35 million a year and flights leaving the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.
Campaigners said an expansion would damage the environment but the airport and unions said the proposal could bring new jobs. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement in a written statement to Parliament today.
Uttlesford District Council leader Jim Ketteridge said the decision was a blow for the community. He said: ‘Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing. Allowing BAA to increase the amount of air traffic marks a further erosion of our quality of life, particularly for all those living near Stansted Airport.’
The application for an increased number of flights is seperate to a potential second runway at the airport, with a planning application submitted by airport owner BAA expected to go to a public inquiry next year.
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