This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7675757.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Passenger move for city airport Flight limit increased at airport
(about 3 hours later)
An extra 0.5m passengers will be able to use the George Best Belfast City Airport each year under changes to planning restrictions. Up to an extra 3,000 flights could be allowed in and out of George Best Belfast City airport under new plans.
The Department of the Environment has increased the airport's 'seats for sale' limit from 1.5m to 2m. A extra 0.5m passengers will be able to use the airport in the east of the city each year.
However, it will be subjected to tighter regulations on noise and activity levels.
Charlie Hopkins of Sydenham Residents' Group said he was "appalled" by the changes to planning restrictions announced by the environment minister.
Sammy Wilson's department increased the airport's 'seats for sale' limit from 1.5m to 2m.
It has also set a cap on the number of flights at 48,000 per year, up from 45,000.It has also set a cap on the number of flights at 48,000 per year, up from 45,000.
However, this now includes non-scheduled flights such as private jets and other non-commercial aircraft.However, this now includes non-scheduled flights such as private jets and other non-commercial aircraft.
These flights were previously not counted towards to the previous cap figure.These flights were previously not counted towards to the previous cap figure.
"The modified Planning Agreement represents the outcome of a lengthy, open and transparent review including consultation with Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council plus the Airport Forum which includes representatives of the local residents' groups," Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said. "The modified Planning Agreement represents the outcome of a lengthy, open and transparent review including consultation with Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council plus the Airport Forum which includes representatives of the local residents' groups," Sammy Wilson said.
"Careful consideration has been given to all representations that have been made and I am satisfied that the modified agreement represents a balance between the concerns of the local residents and the economic benefits generated by the airport.""Careful consideration has been given to all representations that have been made and I am satisfied that the modified agreement represents a balance between the concerns of the local residents and the economic benefits generated by the airport."