Stansted Airport expansion gets go-ahead
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Controversial plans for an expansion of Stansted Airport in Essex have been given the go-ahead by the government.
Airport owner BAA wants to increase passenger numbers from 25 million to 35 million a year and flights leaving the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.
Objectors said an expansion would damage the environment but some unions said the proposal could bring new jobs.
Uttlesford District Council leader Jim Ketteridge said the decision was a blow for the community.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement in a written statement to Parliament on Thursday.
Mr Ketteridge said: "Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing and allowing BAA to increase the amount of air traffic marks a further erosion of our quality of life, particularly for all those living near Stansted Airport."
Airport owner BAA wants to increase passenger numbers from 25 million to 35 million a year and flights leaving the airport from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.
Objectors said an expansion would damage the environment but some unions said the proposal could bring new jobs.
Uttlesford District Council leader Jim Ketteridge said the decision was a blow for the community.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon made the announcement in a written statement to Parliament on Thursday.
Mr Ketteridge said: "Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing and allowing BAA to increase the amount of air traffic marks a further erosion of our quality of life, particularly for all those living near Stansted Airport."
