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".

Green homes to be built in Suffolk

A series of green homes are to be developed in Suffolk, it has been reported.

Some 15 affordable and sustainable homes are to be built in Thetford, with work beginning on the project this summer.

The Suffolk Housing Society recently gained permission to build four flats and 11 homes for rent, sale or shared ownership. The project’s cost will amount to £2 million, which will pay for energy and water saving measures, as well as a reduction in noise pollution.

Air source heating pumps and rainwater harvesting are among the other green features that will be present in the houses.

Steve Clarke, chief executive of the Suffolk Housing Society, claimed that the scheme is "very exciting" and will help alleviate housing problems in the area.

"We know that there is a huge need for affordable housing in Norfolk and Suffolk and are aware that in today’s climate there is an added need to help the environment and save money," Mr Clarke said.

According to the BBC, the housing association will work with Iceni Homes and Key Communities in order to secure a government grant to help fund the project.

Environmental talks over north Kent tunnel

A business group which is planning to build a tunnel under the Thames has insisted that environmental issues such as noise pollution and air pollution can be solved.

MetroTidal Ltd plans to build a £4 billion underwater link between Medway and Canvey Island at some point in the near future.

But concerns have been raised by environmental groups over the damage it could potentially cause to the surrounding area.

Speaking to the BBC, director of MetroTidal Mark Willingdale said: "I don’t want to deny the sensitivity of the issues but as it’s a tunnel the actual breadth of the corridor affected is something like 60 metres.

"Once it’s all back in position the lights, the noise, the fumes can be controlled so it’s really a matter of how it’s done and what are the impacts at the end of the works."

Plans for the tunnel were originally revealed in February when they were submitted to the Department for Transport and the Environment Agency.

Noise pollution concerns in Cambridgeshire

Plans to use the sky around Cambridgeshire as a stacking zone for flights coming in to land at Luton airport are raising concern among local residents and environmental groups.

According to proposals by the National Air Traffic Service, up to 25 aeroplanes could be circling at any one time overhead, which many claim will create both noise and air pollution.

Environmental campaigners are urging authorities to prevent the plans from going ahead as they believe it could ruin the tranquil environment of the countryside below.

Gareth Ridewood, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s Huntingdonshire group, said: "We are very concerned at the impact this is going to have on the rural tranquility in Huntingdonshire and the effect of noise and air pollution.

"Our concern is that Huntingdonshire is coming under attack from the land and the air."

He recommended that the stacking area be moved to the skies over the sea rather than directly above homes and farmland.

Sue Chase from RuralPeace, which campaigns to reduce noise in the countryside, said: "This will result in near constant noise at busy times as aircraft enter, circle and leave the hold."