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Extra 10 million passengers a year to fly at Stansted
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor09.10.08
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon delighted business but angered green groups today by allowing Stansted airport an extra 10 million passengers a year.
Mr Hoon granted permission for it to increase the number of flights from 241,000 to 264,000 and raise the number of passengers from 25 million to 35 million.
Local councils attacked the move as a "further erosion of our quality of life", while Greenpeace accused the Government of promoting a "binge-flying culture" that contradicted its own climate change targets.
Planning permission for the expansion was originally refused on grounds of noise and environmental concerns by Uttlesford District Council in November 2006.
But in a written Parliamentary statement, Mr Hoon announced that he and Communities Secretary Hazel Blears had over-ruled the council following an appeal by airport operator BAA.
A letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government to BAA's lawyers, setting out the reasons for the change in planning conditions, said ministers found the impact on health caused by air pollution was "likely to be very small". It added: "They agree that there is evidence the proposal would deliver large direct economic benefits, although they accept the evidence does not reliably quantify this."
Graham Thompson, an activist with campaign group Plane Stupid, and one of those who occupied the roof of Parliament to protest against airport expansion, said: "Whether it's Ruth Kelly or Geoff Hoon, it's quite clear the minister for BAA is not working in the interests of Britain. Our democratic checks and balances are failing. Escalating direct action is now inevitable."
Greenpeace senior transport campaigner Anita Goldsmith said: "Only this week the Government signalled that it will adopt a new tougher target to cut climate-trashing emissions, including those from aviation." Jim Ketteridge, leader of Uttlesford District Council, vowed to continue to fight the wider legal battle against expansion. He said: "This decision on the existing runway is a blow for the community. Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing."
David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "With the economy facing a serious downturn, it's crucial the country's third busiest airport is able to grow."
Stansted facts and figures
* Flights are restricted between 11.30pm and 6am.
* 23.1 million passengers passed through last year.
* It is Britain's third-busiest airport and hosts 33 airlines.
* More than 185,000 flights take off and land every year.
* They fly to 65 destinations in 35 countries.
* There is only one runway but plans for a second.
* The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to central London.
* 44 per cent of passengers use public transport to get to airport.
Reader views (7)
It's not as if the East Herts area is short of jobs (and it's not as if the South East is short of airports). My point is that the infrastructure to get people to and from the airport is struggling to cope already. Put in another 2 train lines and widen the M11 and it's not a problem - but you can bet your life that ain't going to happen.
- Paul, London
Its only 10 million extra. No big deal when everyone is talking 50 billion for this and a 100 billion for that.
- Mr.S.Port, London
This will attract more jobs to the area and benefit a lot of companies, and give an economic shot in the arm to the East Herts area.
By the way before the left wing green winghing local Nimbys criticise me I do live and work in Bishops Stortford having moved here recently from Sawbridgeworth.
Get real, airport expansion is inevitable and where did these Nimbys fly from on their last package holiday?
The word hypocritical spring to mind.
- Ericrigby, UK
So much for democracy - no doubt Hoon will have a nice cosy seat on the BAA board once he and his mob get booted out at the next election. Just how do BAA intend all these extra passengers to get to he airport? The M11 is already full to capacity, as is the one-up, one-down rail line from London.
- Paul, London
A good time to 'bury the news'?
- George, London
This government really annoy me. They have no principles at all instead just bumbling about being buddies with big business. Screw the rest of us. If only we could get rid of the mindless fools now.
- Stephen, London
What is the point of wanting us to pay environmental taxes when all the government wants is more flights! Not exactly encouraging us to stop flying like they're telling us to.
- Cat, Essex
