Stansted Airport Application Refused

9.59.09pm GMT Wed 29th Nov 2006

Lib Dem-led Uttlesford District Council has refused planning permission for Stansted Airport to expand.

Liberal Democrat-led Uttlesford District Council has refused Stansted Airport's application to expand beyond 25 million passengers per year, increasing the number of flights per year allowed from the existing runway.

"This is the right decision for the local community, and the right decision for the global environment," said the Leader of the Council, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Gayler. "BAA's proposed increase in flights and passengers would have an unacceptable impact on noise levels, air quality and the overall quality of life. The Airport has also failed to produce adequate proposals to improve the rail service and failed to show how they would deal with increased road traffic."

It is likely that BAA will appeal against the refusal, but the Council will mount a robust defence of the decision it has taken.

Councillor Gayler added: "All the work that has been done over the last six months, and the evidence that has been gathered, will put us in a strong position at a public inquiry."