London Luton Airport is set for major growth after the government approved controversial expansion plans that could nearly double its annual passenger capacity to 32 million by 2043.
The decision, confirmed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, was made despite the Planning Inspectorate recommending the plans be rejected due to environmental concerns.
Owned by Luton Borough Council through Luton Rising, the airport currently handles around 18 million passengers a year. The plans include building a second terminal, new taxiways, and expanding the capacity of the existing terminal, without a second runway.
Paul Kehoe, independent chair of Luton Rising, welcomed the decision, saying it could create up to 11,000 jobs and generate up to £1.5 billion in annual economic activity. He also claimed up to £13 million a year could be delivered to community projects and local causes as a result.
A government spokesperson said the move was part of its wider plan to “deliver economic growth and new infrastructure,” describing it as the 14th Development Consent Order approved under the new Labour government.
Bedford Borough Council have also said they welcome the plans
“Welcome news from Luton Airport today, as their expansion plans get the green light,’ said a spokesperson.
“This is great news for Bedford Borough residents who rely on the airport for travel – and for those who live here and work there. A boost for connectivity and local employment.”
Environmental concerns
But not everyone is celebrating.
Environmental groups and some local residents have strongly opposed the scheme. Andrew Lambourne of campaign group LADACAN told the BBC the move ignored the voices of “90% of residents, groups and councils” who objected to the plans.
“People living under the flight path are already at risk of health damage from night flights,” he said. “Adding 70% more is inhumane. With climate change worsening, the last thing we need is 70,000 more aircraft a year producing greenhouse gases and contrails.”
Luton Airport is currently the base for airlines including EasyJet and Wizz Air, with Jet2 recently announcing new routes. Wizz Air’s UK managing director, Marion Geoffroy, welcomed the opportunity to grow, but said the expansion would bring healthy competition.
“We’re absolutely confident that demand will support more capacity,” she told the BBC
Speaking to the Bedford Independent in January, Cllr Lucy Bywater (Green/Castle) said there was a “fear” that a Luton Airport expansion the ‘growth’ will mean a growth in pollution levels as well.
“This government said it wants to be a global climate leader but significant growth of carbon emissions from expansion of Luton Airport will wipe out carbon savings the government wants to make with its clean power plans,” she said.
She also highlighted concerns over road traffic, noise and air pollution, due to the doubling of passenger numbers using the airport to 32 million with a new terminal and a 7000+ space car park.
The airport’s owners and operators have, however, highlighted that they are taking environmental concerns on board.
“This [expansion] wouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, with a groundbreaking green controlled growth framework intended to constrain expansion within defined limits for greenhouse gas emissions,” their statement said.
“This would relate to the airport operation, noise, air quality and surface access, governing how people get to and from the site.”.
The expansion approval comes just months after the government backed new runway projects at both Gatwick and Heathrow.
