News: Inquiry into Stansted expansion starts
Flights > News > # 1293 (30/05/2007)
A public inquiry on plans to expand Stansted Airport got underway this morning (May 30).
Stansted operator BAA wants to increase passenger numbers to 35 million per year by extending the Essex airport's runway.
Uttlesford District Council rejected the BAA planning application in November, and the airport’s case will be heard by planning inspector Alan Boyland after BAA appealed against the council's ruling.
BAA wants to remove a planning condition that limits the number of passengers it can serve to 25 million and increase it to 35 million. It also wants to be given the green light to increase the number of air traffic movements permitted from the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.
Local resident groups and parish councils surrounding the airport site fear that such a significant expansion would lead to a massive increase in traffic on the already congested roads around the airport, as well as increase noise pollution.
The inquiry, at the airport's Endeavour House, is expected to run until October. After its completion, Mr Boyland will make a recommendation to the Government on whether the plans should be approved or rejected.
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