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Inquiry into Stansted runway plan Inquiry into Stansted expansion
(about 8 hours later)
A public inquiry into British Airport Authority (BAA) plans for a second runway at Stansted Airport in Essex is due to start on Wednesday. A public inquiry into British Airport Authority (BAA) plans to expand Stansted Airport in Essex is due to start on Wednesday.
BAA wants to increase passenger numbers from 25m to 35m a year.BAA wants to increase passenger numbers from 25m to 35m a year.
Plans were rejected by Uttlesford District Council so a final decision will now be made at a public inquiry.Plans were rejected by Uttlesford District Council so a final decision will now be made at a public inquiry.
BAA also wants permission to increase the number of air traffic movementspermitted from the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.
Climate change
The inquiry will take place in Endeavour House at Stansted Airport and inspector Alan Boyland will preside over the hearing.The inquiry will take place in Endeavour House at Stansted Airport and inspector Alan Boyland will preside over the hearing.
The inquiry is expected to continue until October.The inquiry is expected to continue until October.
Plans for a second runway at Stansted were contained in the government's 2003 Aviation White Paper, a review of which is due from the Department for Transport before the end of this year.
The Stop Stansted Expansion campaign opposes the plans.The Stop Stansted Expansion campaign opposes the plans.
A spokesman told BBC News: "If Stansted were permitted to expand to maximum use of the existing runway, the local environment would suffer, the national economy would suffer and we would have taken a giant step backwards in the battle to combat climate change."A spokesman told BBC News: "If Stansted were permitted to expand to maximum use of the existing runway, the local environment would suffer, the national economy would suffer and we would have taken a giant step backwards in the battle to combat climate change."
After the inquiry, Mr Boyland will make a recommendation to the government on whether the plans should be approved or rejected.