Objectors Fear That This Could Be Third Time Unlucky

Opinions as Stansted is considered a possibility for London's third airport, for the third time.

Interviews about the possibility of further development of Stansted Airport on the third occasion it has been suggested as the possible third London Airport. Panning view of the airfield, capturing birdsong and the loud noise of planes. An Air Anglia plane is taxiing. Views of the airport passenger building, signs for International Departures and Passport Control. Empty check-in desks in spacious hall. Further external views of the airport and Arrivals board. The Anglia reporter Chris Young interviews Alan Proctor, Airport Managing Director. The reporter asks how much easier would it be to develop Stansted as London’s third airport as opposed to the other possible sites. Mr Proctor says it is for the committee advising the government to decide, but Stansted is already a major international airport. Chris Young and George Belcher of Stansted Preservation Association walk from a house across a garden adjoining the airport. Mr Belcher says it has been decided on two occasions that Stansted is not the place for London’s third airport but much development work has been carried out at the airport, and the route of the M11 motorway was changed to bring it closer to Stansted. Mr Proctor responds to these points by saying that the airport is not currently compatible with the concept being discussed by the committee, and that improvements at the airport have been discussed with the local community. He says it is not true to say that Stansted is being stealthily developed. Chris Young talks to Mike Newman of Stansted Airport Action Group. He says that Stansted is suitable for London’s third airport because it is already here and development could be economically viable within the boundary, though he is sceptical about the government target of 52 million passengers and would not be in favour of such large expansion. He would be disappointed and would lobby government in favour of Stansted if the new airport were to be sited elsewhere. George Belcher expresses bitterness and asks what sort of a society do we live in when Stansted has twice been considered unsuitable through public enquiry. He makes the analogy that twice Stansted has been found not guilty, but now is about to be hanged.

Keywords

Airports; Stansted Expansion; London Airports; Planning