BAA bosses are busy planning expansion at Stansted – despite the Government’s ban on a new runway.
Regardless of the new coalition Government’s squeeze on aviation growth across the South East, the Uttlesford hub is still poised to increase its current throughput from 22.3m passengers a year to 35m, using existing facilities.
And this week bosses told the Observer they remain convinced of the need for further growth in the future.
As BAA shareholders pulled the plug on the G2 second runway plan - news broken on www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk on Monday - Stansted’s managing director David Johnston 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.”
SSE, too, is looking to the future – by continuing its campaign to block growth beyond 35m for good. “Our priority over the next 12-18 months will be to influence the Government’s National Policy Statement on Aviation which is due out for consultation in early 2011 with a view to a settled policy being decided and published towards the end of next year. This is our big opportunity to secure the long-term peace of mind and finality that we need.”
In the meantime, the protesters have issued three new demands to BAA:
• sell back all properties it acquired in connection with its G2 plans, offering original owners the first option;
• publicly apologise and compensate all homeowners who were served with draft compulsory purchase orders in March 2008; and
• BAA and any future Stansted owner should be prohibited from building a second runway for 50 years.
BAA has withdrawn its assisted relocation scheme for householders in the wake of Monday’s announcement, but pledged to honour deals already under way. A spokesman said: “We will give careful thought to the property issue and take a responsible approach to what we should do with the properties we now own.”