Anger over airport's passenger increase decision

TWO environmental groups have expressed disappointment over Uttlesford Council's decision to approve plans to increase capacity at Stansted Airport to 25m passengers a year.

Norman Mead, chairman of Stop Stansted Expansion which is opposing Government proposals to build up to three more runways, said: "While we're clearly bitterly disappointed at the council's decision, the champagne must be flowing at BAA. This must be a first for them to be given approval to virtually double the capacity of one of their airports with no public inquiry whatsoever.

"Clearly with the Government threatening to increase the throughput of Stansted by over eight times, making it twice that of Heathrow, Uttlesford felt this application was small fry.

"But the reality for those living within a few miles of the airport and for those further afield will be harshly felt. There will be more noise, more pollution, greater threats to our safety and significantly less quality of life."

Friends of the Earth has also slammed the decision.

Aviation campaigner Paul de Zylva said: "Residents around Stansted have been badly let down by their council. This massive increase in passenger numbers will have a terrible impact on local people.

'Uttlesford's decision is the thin end of the wedge and makes a mockery of the Government's current consultation on whether to expand airport capacity.

"BAA claims expansion will be carried out in a sensitive way, but this is nonsense and they know it. You cannot expand airports and protect the countryside and quality of life at the same time."

15:46 Monday 7th October 2002

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