Stansted expansion plans rejected
Wednesday, 29 November 2006 12:00 AM
Airport passenger with luggage
Stansted airport's planning application for a runway extension has been rejected by the local council today.
The application, which would have seen the airport go beyond its cap of 25 million passengers per annum and expand the number of flights it provided was refused by Uttlesford District Council.
Terry Morgan, BAA Stansted's managing director, said: "We are disappointed Uttlesford District Council has been unable to support our application for growth on the existing single runway at the airport.
"Effectively, the council is wanting to cap passenger numbers at the current level, which contradicts government policy and flies in the face of the interests of the record number of leisure and business travellers - tens of thousands of whom are local - who see Stansted as an affordable gateway to destinations and opportunities around the world."
BAA Stansted said it would appeal against the decision and take the case to a public inquiry.
The airport intends to submit a planning application for an entire second runway next year.
