Does the growth in air traffic over St Albans give you cause for concern? Are you bothered by aircraft noise and pollution and the impact on climate change? If so, you may welcome the chance to comment on Luton Airport’s plan to increase passenger numbers from 18 million to 32 million.
In the past 10 years passenger numbers have already more than doubled to 19 million since London Luton Airport Ltd – a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council – was previously granted permission to expand by none other than… wait for it… Luton Borough Council.
The company has now changed its name to Luton Rising and has submitted a new planning application to Luton Borough Council for an increase to 32 million.
Because of its environmental impact, Luton Rising is obliged to apply to the National Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order. This requires a statutory consultation which is now in progress. The deadline for comments is 4 April.
This presents an opportunity for residents to examine the proposed expansion and to express any concerns.
The potential impact comes in many forms, for example:
· More noisy aircraft overhead
· More air pollution
· More traffic congestion
· Considerable disruption during construction work
· Significant environmental impact
· Is the projected expansion in passenger numbers realistic?
Comments on the proposals can be made online or at a travelling exhibition which will be in St Albans on 21 March at the Jubilee Centre in Catherine Street, between 3pm and 8pm.
For a community view of the proposals, visit the website run by LADACAN, the Luton And District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise, at: ladacan.org For the full proposals, including an online version of the travelling exhibition, visit: londonrising.org.uk
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