30/05/2007

Public inquiry into Stansted expansion launched

A public inquiry has been launched into proposals to expand the capacity of Stansted Airport.

Airport operator BAA wants to increase passenger numbers at the Essex airport from 25 to 35 million each year, as well as the number of air traffic movements permitted from the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.

The planning application was rejected by Uttlesford District Council in November 2006, which said that the plans would have an "unacceptable" impact on nearby residents' standard of living.

The inquiry is expected to last until October.

A statement issued by BAA said that the public inquiry would "listen carefully to all points of view".

However, the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign is opposed to the proposals, claiming that it would be damaging to the local environment and would represent a backwards step in tackling climate change.

(KMcA/JM)


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