THE timetable for the Stansted Airport public inquiry has been confirmed as BAA prepares to do battle with anti-expansion campaigners.
The first clash will take place in a fortnight, Wednesday May 30, during the opening at Endeavour House, within the airport perimeter where BAA has provided free parking.
Stansted bosses will try to convince inquiry lead inspector Alan Boyland and his assistant Terry Phillimore that the current cap of 25m passengers a year should be breached and full use of the runway should be sanctioned.
Uttlesford District Council refused planning permission for the change six months ago and will lead the bid to block an increase in annual travellers to around 35m, backed by pressure groups like Stop Stansted Expansion, parish councils and other local authorities.
The inspectors will hear evidence on issues such as climate change, noise and air pollution from Tuesday to Friday each week. Its first scheduled break is June 26 to July 4. The hearing will reconvene on July 5.
The next break will be from September 18 to 21, resuming on the 25th. Closing submissions are set for the final week, October 2 to 5.
When it considers issues of quality of life, the inquiry will shift from Endeavour House to local venues.
At the end of the arguments by both sides, the inspectors will forward their recommendation to Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly and Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander, who will jointly decide the outcome of the appeal.
Simon Osborn has been appointed programme officer for the inquiry. His role is to ensure it runs as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible and that all have the opportunity to make their representations. He can be contacted by phone on 07710 969411 or by email on poservices@fsmail.net .
In January BAA announced plans for a £2.2bn second runway and terminal, increasing capacity to 68m passengers a year. It will apply for planning permission late this summer and a second public inquiry is anticipated next spring, with a Government decision likely in 2011.
The public inquiry programme is subject to change. For information visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk " www.uttlesford.gov.uk .
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