BAA claims ‘huge support’ for Stansted expansion
26.02.10
Stansted owners BAA have hit back at claims that expansion plans for the airport have ‘no support,’ the Dunlow Broadcast reports. Uttlesford MP Sir Alan Haselhurst expressed major doubts on plans to build a second terminal and runway at the hub. He said: ‘There is plenty of spare capacity already at the airport. So the need factor for expansion does not arise. I doubt whether BAA have any serious ally for their plans for a second runway.’
However, this has provoked a reaction from BAA, which has reiterated that support for expansion - known as G2 - has been coming from all parts of the community. In fact over 3700 letters of support have been handed to Uttlesford District Council as of February 2010, compared to 5600 letters of objection, the airports operator pointed out.
A BAA spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Contrary to Sir Alan's comments we have received huge support for G2. Residents, business and community leaders, as well as airlines, have rallied in support. The CBI, Essex Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk Institute of Directors, East of England Development Agency and East of England International are some of the organisations that back the plans.’
‘In 2006, the Essex Chambers of Commerce conducted a survey highlighting overwhelming support from the local business community for expansion. According to the survey figures 83 percent of businesses that took part supported expansion of Stansted, whilst nearly 50 percent said it would directly benefit their business.'
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