Council asks 10 questions on Stansted runway plans
11.02.07
Members of Uttlesford District Council have demanded Stansted Airport operator BAA answers ten 'critical but unanswered' questions on its proposals for a second runway. The council is opposed to a second runway at the airport, with councillors claiming it will prove an environmental disaster.
Uttlesford Council leader, Mark Gayler, said: 'We have closely studied the material released by BAA and their information is full of holes. As a result, we are writing to them seeking answers on some key questions.'
'As the principal local authority dealing with the Stansted expansion plans, we are determined to protect the district and residents. We will do all we can to stop the character of Uttlesford being damaged beyond repair.'
Chief among the council's concerns is that the way the runways would be used - one for take off and the other for landing - will not prove a permanent arrangement. This method, known as 'segregated mode' would in theory lessen the impact on some nearby communities but the council is sceptical that
Below are the questions UDC has demanded answers to:
1. What guarantees will BAA give that the two runways would be operated in segregated mode? Is this only likely to be feasible in the short term? Will BAA offer a 50-year guarantee?
2. What happens if the actual aircraft fleet numbers do not turn out to be in line with forecasts?
3. Will BAA guarantee it will not seek planning permission until it has consulted on local road diversions and connections maximising public transport links to relieve stress on the road and rail system in the M11 corridor growth area safeguards to ensure the development would not proceed until the transport capacity needed had been provided in full?
4. Will BAA carry out a full assessment of the effects on quality of life - not only on local communities close to the airport but also on the culture and heritage of those further afield in the region that would be affected by aircraft movements more than doubling?
5. Will BAA guarantee to complete and publish its Health Impact Assessment of the project before submitting its planning application?
6. Will BAA fund a long term study to monitor how airports and airport expansion affects the health of communities?
7. Will BAA support the concept of a design code to ensure plans for new facilities meet exacting standards on environmental performance and passenger experience?
8. Will BAA put forward full and explicit evidence to justify the net economic benefits of a second runway including net tourism balance and carbon emissions cost?
9. Are BAA ready to directly address the issue of climate change in the aviation industry, using its pivotal role to ensure airlines reduce carbon emissions in real terms?
10. What message of hope does BAA hold out to the people of Uttlesford?
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