STANSTED AIRPORT: Extra time to comment on second runway plan

11:36am Monday 2nd June 2008

THE deadline for comments to be made over the controversial plans to build a second runway at Stansted Airport has been extended by three months.

Uttlesford District Council said it has received a number of requests for a longer period of public consultation because of the amount of material submitted in the 38 planning applications related to the Generation 2 plan.

Those requesting the extension include important consultees such as Essex and Hertfordshire county councils, the East of England Regional Assembly, the East of England Development Agency, the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency, Essex Wildlife Trust and West Essex Primary Care Trust.

Roger Harborough, Uttlesford Council's head of planning and housing strategy, said: "We have therefore decided to extend the consultation period by three months and the new closing date for submissions is now Friday, September 26, making an allowance for the intervening peak holiday period.

"The new deadline relates to all planning and listed building consent applications comprising the Generation 2 package submitted to the council for determination.

"The council still requests, however, that comments are sent in as soon as possible to assist it in logging and analysing responses."

Other deadlines for comments to other bodies on the compulsory purchase orders and rail and strategic highways schemes are not affected.

Carol Barbone, campaign director for the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign group, welcomed the additional time commenting on the amount of documentation that has to be considered.

A spokesman for BAA Stansted said: "While the extension to Uttlesford District Council's consultation period will allow some organisations more time to consider the G2 application and respond, we trust this delay will not adversely affect a start date for the inquiry."

To find out how to respond to the proposals, visit www.stanstedexplained.info

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