Hertfordshire County Council has warned that plans to expand Stansted airport would lead to an increase in noise and air pollution for local residents.
The airport wishes to change its existing planning permission, which allows for 43 million passengers each year, to enable a new limit of 51 million per year.
The council recognised the economic benefits the change could bring but warned of the impact on ‘noise and air quality’ and called for proposals detailing how access to the airport can be managed effectively.
Cllr Stephen Boulton, executive member for Sustainable Economic Growth at the council, said that ‘ploughing ahead to the detriment of local people would be unwise and a mistake.’
He continued: ‘We are clear that any growth or expansion must be sustainable and of benefit to the local area, including those just over the border here in Hertfordshire. That is why we have set out quite clearly as part of our response that congestion, additional noise and any adverse impact on the environment must be mitigated.’
