Birmingham Airport submits runway extension plans
08.01.08
Birmingham Airport has now formally submitted a planning application for the extension of its existing runway. If approved, it will see the runway extended 405m (1329ft) towards Bickenhill and Hampton-in-Arden.
The airport hopes it will be able to accommodate larger aircraft and operate more long haul routes with the extension in place. The application, filed with Solihull Metropolitan Borough, sets out the extension plans plus those for the associated infrastructure, including the realignment and tunnelling of a Section of the A45 Coventry Road, a new air traffic control tower, revisions to the existing fuel farm, a new exit taxiway and the diversion of services and watercourses.
The airport's acting managing director, Joe Kelly, said:- 'The submission of this planning application represents a major step forward for the airport and the region. The connectivity that the runway extension could bring is vital for the future economic well being of the area and equally important to further establishing it on the world stage.'
'The application will build upon the earlier processes of consultation that the airport has undertaken. We look forward to a response from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in due course.'
Campaigners have said they will oppose the extension and are lobbying the council to refuse permission. Friends of the Earth and the Birmingham Airport Anti-Noise Group (BANG) have joined forces to protest to the council, saying the expansion is bad news for residents and the environment. They said the number of people exposed to aircraft noise pollution would double and that aircraft carbon dioxide emissions would treble.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council are expected to make the planning application available to members of the public on or around January 9. Additionally, it can be found on the Airport's website at www.bhx.co.uk. The airport hopes the extension will be operating in time for the London Olympic Games in 2012.
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