Second runway at Stansted airport by 2015
[12th March 2008]
BAA plans to build the first new runway in the south east of England for over 50 years, which will more than double capacity at Stansted airport.
As well as a second runway at Stansted, BAA also plans to build a new airport terminal. The new runway and terminal would be open by 2015, and Stansted has ambitions to serve 68 million passengers a year by 2030.
In support of its plans, BAA says they would bring economic benefits of £9 billion and create 13,000 new jobs by 2030.
“This important project will bring huge benefits to the East of England and UK economy, and will increase choice and opportunity for millions of business and leisure travellers," says BAA chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd.
But there would inevitably be consequences for people living near Stansted airport. Houses would have to be demolished - although in its latest proposals BAA has reduced the number by 25% - and at least 13 listed buildings would be lost.
BAA claims it has taken into account the views of different groups, and the environmental impact of a new runway. “To help shape this vision we have listened very carefully to the views of thousands of people, and I firmly believe we have planned the best airport project of its time,“ says BAA director for Stansted Generation 2, Alastair McDermid.
“But this is not growth at any cost. The global issue of climate change is one which we take very seriously and is recognised as requiring international action. There is agreement that the best way of addressing the challenge is through a global emissions trading scheme, and BAA has been leading the call for the aviation industry to be part of that,” adds McDermid.
If planning permission is given construction could start by 2011. Other improvements at Stansted would include better access to the airport by rail with a second tunnel and fourth platform. The cost on opening would be £1.4 billion, with further expansion giving a total cost of £2.5 billion by 2030 says BAA.
Written by: Nick Purdom