London Stansted Airport has published its Sustainable Development Plan highlighting how the airport will be expanded over the next 10-15 years.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the operator for the airport, released the plans following an extensive consultation period with key stakeholders and the surrounding communities. During this time, MAG held 10 public events in surrounding towns and villages and received feedback from 11 local authorities, 10 parish councils and 14 business groups along with members of the public. The consultation website received over 4,000 visits.
As a result of the consultation process, changes to the Sustainable Development Plan included:
– A renewed commitment to work in close partnership with neighboring authorities, the London boroughs, the Greater London Authority and transport providers to secure investment in transport infrastructure including the West Anglia Mainline, A120 and M11.
– To work with partners including community groups, airlines, air traffic control and the British Government to understand and minimize the impact of all aspects of noise pollution.
– The continuation of a Community Trust Fund to support social, economic and environmental projects.
– An extension to MAG apprenticeship programs to increase the number of new recruits to 10 a year and work with on-airport partners to increase or introduce apprenticeship opportunities across the airport.
– An increase in the reach of MAG’s employment and education projects to north and east London boroughs.
Kevin Bentley, councilor for Essex County Council, said, “We recognize and value the importance of Stansted Airport to our county’s economy, as a gateway to Europe and the rest of the world and therefore as a crucial enabler for our ambitious plans for growth. We welcome the positive relationships that have been established with MAG since the acquisition of Stansted Airport and plans to diversify the operations so look forward to working with MAG to build on this collaborative approach and help develop Stansted’s plans for growth.”
Jo Valentine, CEO of advocacy group London First, said, “Better air links serving London will grow Britain’s ability to trade with the world, attract investment and generate jobs. Seeing as we probably won’t get a new runway to serve London for over a decade, we need to maximize the potential of those airports serving the capital that have spare capacity. Under the ownership of MAG, Stansted has made impressive and rapid progress in improving the quality of its service and attracting new passengers and routes. We would now like to see government help stimulate future growth potential by improving the quality of rail-air links serving the airport.”
To read more about London Stansted’s Sustainable Development Plan click here.