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Inquiry into Stansted expansion Inquiry into Stansted expansion
(10 minutes later)
A public inquiry into British Airport Authority (BAA) plans to expand 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 25 million to 35 million 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. BAA also wants permission to increase the number of air traffic movements permitted 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. 'Economic benefits'
BAA said: "This is an important day for the future of Stansted Airport, and for the local community too. This independent public inquiry will take its time in the coming weeks to listen carefully to all points of view."
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. BAA added: "The fact remains that more people want to fly to more destinations, more often than ever before, and we are very confident of the case we will be presenting that says we can achieve growth in a sustainable way.
"There are huge social and economic benefits to be gained from growth at Stansted and this is an exciting opportunity that should not be lost."