VIDEO: Campaigners rejoice as Stansted Airport bosses scrap second runway plan

This afternoon (Tuesday, May 25) members of SSE, who have spent the past eight years battling BAA’s  bid to bring 68m passengers a year to the Uttlesford hub, are holding a champagne celebration.

They will be toasting their victory at the Three Horsehoes at Molehill Green – the historic pub BAA bought last year to make way for the new runway.

SSE campaign director Carole Barbone said when the scheme’s withdrawal was confirmed yesterday (Monday, May 24):  “This is a day to rejoice.  It is not every day that a local community is victorious over powerful big business interests – and they don’t come much bigger and more powerful than BAA.   I would therefore like to pay tribute to all those who have fought so hard for so long to achieve this famous victory.”

Saffron Walden’s MP Sir Alan Haselhurst, who has been a staunch supporter of SSE, said he too would be raising a glass to mark the end of the mammoth battle and Bishop’s Stortford’s MP Mark Prisk said:  "This U-turn by BAA plc is great news for everyone who has campaigned against the second runway.”

Uttlesford District Council also has been locked in opposition with BAA over the plan. Deputy leader Cllr Jackie Cheetham said: “This is excellent news and is vindication of everything this council has been campaigning for its community since the proposal was first announced. It will be a massive weight lifted from the shoulders of residents who have lived with the threat of airport expansion on their doorstep for years.”

BAA withdrew its plans Stansted and a third runway at Heathrow after the new coalition Government confirmed its opposition to new runways in the south east. 

David Johnston, the airport's managing director, said: "We have reflected carefully on the new Government's clear intention to change its airports policy and have moved quickly to withdraw this application.  

"Stansted Airport is a key driver of economic growth in this part of England and we will continue to work hard to bring new business here and to work with our neighbours and the wider community to provide jobs and strong business and travel opportunities in the months and years ahead.   

“We continue to believe that new airport capacity is needed in the South East to strengthen the UK's international trading links."  

Stansted will also withdraw, with immediate effect, the provision for assisted relocation within the home owner support scheme introduced at Stansted in 2004. 

However, in line with assurances given to local people, the airport will proceed with the purchase of eligible properties currently going through the process, where it can be demonstrated that the owner is marketing or has marketed the property and has not been able to agree a sale.