Second runway at Stansted edges closer

Plans for a second runway at London Stansted Airport have moved forward with the instigation of a public inquiry into the expansion.

Though the government delayed making a formal decision on the move - which would see Stansted's capacity rise from 25 million to 35 million passengers a year - it has nonetheless 'called in' the application.

That process will trigger a public review of the viability of the scheme, which is widely expected to be a precursor to Whitehall's public declaration of support.

Ministers had been due to make a final decision before the start of their summer holiday this week, but instead pushed the deadline back to September, citing concerns over noise pollution.

If permission is ultimately granted, the extension will mark the first new runway in the south-east for half a century. It is also expected to create 13,000 new jobs and £9 billion for the economy.

"We welcome the news that our Generation 2 (G2) planning application for the development of a second runway at Stansted has been 'called in' and will now proceed to a public inquiry next year," commented runway project director Roger Pellman.

"There are huge social and economic benefits to be enjoyed from the development of a second runway at Stansted for the east of England, London and for UKplc."

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