London Stansted submits planning application to unlock potential of existing runway

London Stansted has submitted a planning application to Uttlesford District Council to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million over the next 20 years.  

The application seeks permission to make best use of Stansted’s existing single runway by the 2040s without any increase in the number of flights the airport is already permitted to operate and within the existing airport boundary.

If approved, it will enable London Stansted to progress with its plans to invest in the future, which will unlock:

·                 4,500 new jobs

·                 Improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion

·                 Funds for local bus services, roads and tackling fly-parking

·                 Improvements to the Stansted Express

·                 Airport infrastructure powered by 100% renewable energy

·                 Stansted Airport College doubling in size so it can train more local young people

·                 Half of all passenger journeys by public transport, to relieve pressure on local roads

Over the last few months, the airport has been consulting local people, businesses and passengers, with a widespread social media campaign and hundreds of one-to-one conversations.

More than 2,800 people across the area responded to the consultation, with almost 2,000 people backing Stansted’s plan.

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:

“We’ve listened carefully to all the feedback from our neighbours, which has helped shape our plans to grow London Stansted in the most sustainable and responsible way possible.

“We have already kicked off our five-year £1.2bn investment programme to transform the airport, and if this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years.

“Making the best use of our existing runway will help create more jobs and training schemes, better facilities for passengers and provide more seats to an even greater choice of destinations.

“We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region, so I’m asking for local people to lend their support so we can make this plan a reality.”