Meeting on Birmingham Airport expansion
05.04.08
Those living near Birmingham Airport aired their views over the proposed runway extension at a public meeting this week, the Birmingham Mail reports. The controversial £1 billion plan to extend the runway by 405 metres towards Bickenhill and Hampton-in-Arden could see up to 17,000 extra flights a year and create more than 2000 jobs.
At a meeting organised by Birmingham Friends of the Earth and the Birmingham Airport Anti-Noise Group this week, some residents used the opportunity to express their fears over the plans. One said that his house has been blighted by noise and any expansion of the airport would just make that worse, whilst another added 'I would like to be able to enjoy my garden in the summer but unfortunately I can't do that.'
Chris Crean, from Friends of the Earth, said: By increasing the length of the runway we are going to add to a problem caused by very few people which effects everyone on the Earth.’
Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull, who spoke in favour of the plans, said: ‘This increase in the length of the runway will create tens of thousands of jobs both in terms of the building work, the airport and the increased prosperity it will bring. It will encourage trade from places like China and India by improving communications. It's not going to mean that money leaves the area, it is going to bring money in to the local economy.’
John Morris, head of corporate and community affairs at the airport, told the meeting: ‘The airport recognises its responsibilities, but life is about balance. We get a disproportionate economic advantage compared to the downsides of extending the runway.’
‘Also, you must not think that if we don't extend the runway it will mean no expansion of the airport. The airport is expanding all the time. This will just give us greater ability to run long-haul flights and increase trade with farther flung markets.’
Other proposals under the plan would be a new terminal and control tower, increased airport parking and increased airport hotels.
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