Stansted Airport could expand to 51 million passenger intake
Councillors are set to decide next whether Stansted Airport can increase its annual passenger cap to 51 million.
Uttlesford District Council has so far received 1,410 supporting comments from a combination of local people, airport staff, airlines and passengers.
Unions, businesses, business organisations and representatives from the tourism, hospitality and education sectors have also given their support.
Almost half of those comments highlighted the potential for the plan to boost the local economy, attract investment, and create new employment opportunities.
Officials have recommended the plans for approval (subject to conditions) citing the ‘clear economic benefits’ of the plan.
Support also focused on the improvements to transport infrastructure and the potential for more destinations and training opportunities.
Growth to 51 million passengers a year will see:
- Over half of all passenger journeys by public transport, to relieve pressure on local roads
- Enhanced funds for local bus services, roads and tackling fly-parking
- Improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion
- 4,500 new jobs created, supported by the airport’s existing training and education facilities
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
"We’re in this for the long haul – putting in the place the measures now to support growth in the future. Now it’s up to local councillors to weigh the evidence and make their decision.”
Organisations that have voiced their support include:
Denise Rossiter CEO, Essex Chambers of Commerce & industry Ltd:
“The Essex Chambers of Commerce strongly support Stansted Airport’s application to increase its passenger cap from 43m to 51m passengers per year.
“Our membership is very substantially in support of the airport’s plans, encouraged by the economic opportunities for Essex businesses and reassured by the sustainability of the proposals.
“The development of the airport, a key international gateway to the world, will be critical to the growth and increased prosperity of Essex, and its attractiveness as a destination for investment”.
Dr Robert Singh, Director of Research and Enterprise Office, University of Essex:
“The University of Essex strongly supports London Stansted Airport’s proposals to expand passenger numbers to 51 million by 2040."
“This growth offers the region greater global connectivity - allowing our international students to access the University more easily and reducing travel from other airports, and it will help drive economic growth in the region, increasing the local employment opportunities for our graduates."
“We are pleased that this growth can be delivered without increasing the number of flights from the airport and so minimising impact on the surrounding area and the environment”.