Stansted expansion capped

In spite of strong regional support for an expansion of the airport, Uttlesford District Council’s Planning Committee, for the local authority, has refused an application by Stansted Airport to increase the current cap on passenger numbers from 35m to 43m a year.

The airport says it can be delivered without any increase in the number of flights currently allowed, and include a legally binding commitment to reduce the airport’s noise ‘footprint’ and an enhanced sound insulation scheme for residential properties close to the airport.
 
Later this month Stansted will formally submit an appeal to The Planning Inspectorate, an executive agency of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Planning Inspectorate will then oversee a public inquiry before making its recommendation to Government.  No rush at the present time.
 
Ken O’Toole, Stansted’s CEO, said:  “From our discussions with local communities, it is clear that the majority of local people support our proposals, and they welcome the airport’s commitment to maintaining the existing cap on the number of flights and to reducing the airport’s overall noise footprint.

This was backed up by David Birch, Director of Policy, Essex Chamber of Commerce: “The Council very disappointingly chose to adopt a negative and blinkered view of Stansted’s growth plans, not only ignoring the huge economic and social benefits making best use of the runway would support but also the sustainable and responsible way the airport manages its local impacts".
 
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a shattering impact on the economy, not only in the county but right across the UK, but it is clear that aviation will play a significant role in kick-starting the recovery”.

www.stanstedairport.com

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