Birmingham Airport congestion fears
14.09.05
Birmingham International Airport is set to raise concerns over congestion in Midland airspace before a Government planning inspector next January. Officials at birmingham airport are expected to voice opposition over the growth of nearby Coventry Airport at a public inquiry called over plans by Coventry to boost its size to cater for two million passengers a year.
TUI, the owners of Coventry Airport, appealed to Warwick District Council over a delay in dealing with a planning application for a new 10,000 sq. metres terminal and 4,000 space airport parking. The appeal puts the decision in the hands of the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott after a public inquiry. Interested parties, such as Birmingham Airport, will have the opportunity to make representations at the inquiry.
A spokeswoman from Birmingham said yesterday: 'It is essential that the airport's airspace capacity is safeguarded and protected if our long-term plans are to be realised. Given the unique proximity of the two airports, Birmingham International Airport remains concerned that additional development at Coventry Airport would inevitably compromise the long-term airspace capacity at Birmingham.'
A spokesman from Warwick Council said the delay in processing the application, which was submitted last November, was due to the local authority still 'awaiting responses from statutory consultees'.
A public inquiry has already been set for January after the council's refusal of a previous application for a smaller permanent terminal in September last year. It is thought the newly-appealed application could be dealt with at the same inquiry. Birmingham airport, along with the five West Midlands authorities which manage it, would be expected to make verbal representations at a new public inquiry.
Coventry Airport managing director, Bill Savage, said: 'In order to save all parties time and expense we have requested our November planning application be considered at the public inquiry. This will be the opportunity for all parties to have their say in the future development of Coventry Airport.'
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