Second runway plan 'called in'

By Sinead Holland

THE Government has called in the G2 second runway planning application for Stansted Airport today (Monday, July 21).

The move means the £2billion-plus plans, which were lodged with Uttlesford District Council earlier this year, are now set to be the subject of a public inquiry, early next year.

The long-awaited announcement has been welcomed by BAA. Roger Pellman, G2 project director said: "We welcome today's news that our Generation 2 (G2) planning application

for the development of a second runway at Stansted has been 'called in' and will now proceed to a public inquiry (next year). We are pleased the secretary of state has acted swiftly and demonstrated their willingness to get on with the project.

"Earlier this year, BAA submitted nearly 40 separate planning applications in support of the G2 runway project following four years of detailed and comprehensive planning work to deliver a key milestone of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. We now confidently look forward to presenting our case in front of an independent inspector at the forthcoming planning inquiry."

He claimed: ""There are huge social and economic benefits to be enjoyed from the development of a second runway at Stansted for the East of England, London, and for UKplc, and we are fully committed to maximising these opportunities for millions of air travellers while at the same time doing all we can to limit, avoid and mitigate against any environmental impacts."

SSE protesters gathered at the Three Horseshoes pub in Duton Hill today after the decision was announced.

Campaign director Carol Barbone said: "The village is one of many that would be severely affected by BAA's proposals for a second runway which would handle some 68 million passengers a year by 2030, with over 40 flights per hour shattering rural peace." (