Coventry Airport terminal plan rejected
16.06.07
Coventry Airport's application for a new passenger terminal has been sensationally and unexpectedly rejected by the Government. The decision follows a lengthy public inquiry, which saw major criticism from nearby rival Birmingham Airport and a number of conservation groups in the region, but it was widely expected that the plan would be approved.
The new terminal would have allowed Coventry Airport to cater for two million passengers per year. Bosses at Birmingham Airport had raised concerns over an airspace conflict with the Baginton airport. However, given the Government's stated policy of maximising the use of existing runways, and the previous approval of the current temporary terminal, those opposing the expansion were expected to be defeated.
The application depended on a number of constraints and mitigation measures, but the Government has concluded that these were not sufficient. After almost four years and two full-scale enquiries, the Secretaries of State for Communities and Transport have concluded that the environmental impact and noise from the proposed development would significantly harm the quality of life for nearby residents. They have also stated that public transport to and from the site is a problem as well as the airport's relationship with nearby Birmingham Airport, which has always opposed any expansion at Coventry.
Chris Orphanou, the airport's managing director, said: 'We are bitterly disappointed with this decision as an airport and because of the impact it will have on the region. A new passenger terminal would make an enormous difference to Coventry Airport and those who use its services. In our view, this decision is extremely shortsighted and not in the best interests of the region.'
Mr Orphanou added that the negative outcome was a 'stumbling block' the airport intended to overcome. He said it would still be business as usual, adding: 'Despite this setback, we believe our investment plans will only be delayed slightly. Our legal team will now be considering the full implications of the news.' [Before this latest decision, a £50m programme had been finalised to include the construction of the new terminal building and a new hotel.]
But local MP James Plaskitt welcomed the decision and said he was pleased the government backed his objections. The Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington said: 'This has been a long campaign on behalf of many constituents.'
'I always felt that the airport had a weak case. I always argued that local air travel demand could be adequately met at Birmingham. I am really pleased that these arguments I have been pushing for years now have been fully backed by the inspector and the government.'
A spokesman for Warwick District Council said that it is pleased the issue has finally been resolved, after the ongoing saga which is estimated to have cost taxpayers more than £750,000. Head of communications, Richard Brooker, said: 'The council is therefore satisfied that this issue has now been resolved at this level and that there is now a clear framework for applying planning policy to the airport.'
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