Stanstead airport extension gets go ahead

Plans for the extension of Stanstead Airport have got the go-ahead despite the concerns of local residents.

The Essex airport will see passenger numbers increase by 10 million a year from the current level of 25 million, with the number of flights going up by over 20,000 annually.

Many in the local area have citied the environment and noise pollution as two reasons why the plans should be scrapped.

Stewart Wingate, managing director at Stanstead said: "We are naturally delighted that the Secretaries of State have granted permission for the next phase of growth at Stanstead."

However Uttlesford District Council leader Jim Ketteridge said that the decision was a blow for the local community.

"Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing and allowing BAA to increase the amount of air traffic marks a further erosion of our quality of life."

Mr Ketteridge’s views were backed by Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker who said it showed "that the government is in the pocket of the aviation industry".