In Bedfordshire, London Luton Airport has been given the green light for expansion plans that will almost double its annual passenger numbers by 2043, reaching a total of 32 million. The government’s approval comes despite the Planning Inspectorate advising Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to reject the plans citing environmental concerns. Luton Rising, the airport’s owners, have stated that the expansion could bring significant economic, employment, and social benefits to the town.
Last year, Luton ranked as the UK’s fifth busiest airport, with over 16.9 million people traveling on 132,000 flights. The expansion scheme includes the construction of a new terminal, new taxiways, and an increase in capacity within the existing terminal from 18 million passengers annually. The anticipated growth is in line with the intention to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and operations.
The expansion decision had faced multiple delays, with the most recent pause to allow newly appointed Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, more time to review the application. The move has been met with mixed reactions from environmental campaigners who emphasize concerns about the impact of increased air traffic on climate change. Despite the opposition, Luton Rising aims to generate up to 11,000 new jobs and boost the local economy by up to £1.5 billion annually.
Critics of the expansion project, such as campaign group LADACAN and countryside charity CPRE, have raised objections citing health risks from noise pollution to the increased carbon emissions associated with additional flights. However, London Luton Airport’s expansion plans have been framed by its owners as a comprehensive strategy that includes measures to limit noise and greenhouse gas emissions, with a commitment to sustainable operations
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