Plans to expand Stansted Airport are to be opposed by neighbouring East Herts Council.
The airport submitted plans to Uttlesford District Council for its plans to expand which includes construction of two new taxiway links to the existing runway.
The plans would mean larger aircraft so that up to 51 million passengers a year can be accommodated. Under its current consent, the airport can accommodate only 43 million passengers a year.
East Herts Council says, while it is generally supportive of the effort to make best use of the single-use runway and the subsequent local, regional and national economic benefits, it has concerns around surface access, environmental issues, community impact mitigation and a lack of pre-application consultation.
East Herts has recommended Uttlesford refuse the plans unless or until those issues are resolved but would be prepared to engage over them.
Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward, executive member for planning and growth for East Herts Council, said: “We welcome the opportunities for additional local employment that the expansion proposals for Stansted will bring, but these need to be balanced alongside the transport and environmental impacts that up to 51 million passengers per annum would have on our district and its residents.
“As we aim to meet our net zero goals, East Herts Council is therefore seeking assurances that the proposals will be sustainable and that any impacts will be successfully mitigated before any permission is granted.
“We look forward to working with Uttlesford District Council and other key stakeholders to assist the process going forward.”
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