Stansted Expansion Plan Attacked

9.31.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Jun 2008

The Conservatives on the Borough Council's Development Policy Committee on Wednesday 21st May, were forced to abandon the published recommendation after Lib Dem Leader Mike Mackrory led the way in voicing the widespread opposition to plans for a second runway at Stansted. The Committee was being asked to respond to the planning application for a second runway at Stansted now in front of Uttlesford District Council. The original recommendation was to object unless road transport links were improved.

"What are we even thinking about!" Cllr. Mackrory challenged the Tories. "Look at the projected land-take, and at the flight and passenger numbers - we are in danger of inviting an airport even bigger than the present Heathrow right on our doorstep. We have a duty to the residents of the neighbouring villages and hamlets whose life would never be the same again".

Cllr. Christine Rycroft, the Lib Dem Planning spokesman, reminded the committee of the position adopted by the Council under the Lib Dem administration in 2002 - to encourage the optimum use of the existing runway, but no expansion beyond that. "Of course Transport Infrastructure like an East-West rail-link is hopelessly lacking, but more than that, we should oppose this, full stop", she said. "The mood across Essex is to fight this", she continued, and proposed clear and detailed wording to confirm the Council's opposition.

In the end, Tory Councillors seemed somewhat bemused and their Leader Councillor Whitehead agreed with the Liberal Democrats amendment to say no. When it came to the vote, Chelmsford's response to the prospect of Stansted expansion on this scale was unanimous.