Birmingham airport runway extension plan given go-ahead
Joe Kelly, deputy chief executive of the airport company, said: “The airport is wholly committed to sustainable aviation. This is an important night for the airport, which is growing and will continue to grow. It is economically important when you consider that Tata, who bought Jaguar Land Rover, cannot fly direct to Birmingham from India. This is the single most important transport priority for the entire region, apart from the New Street Gateway project. It is important in economic terms but also in opening up the region to the rest of the world.”
Environmental campaigners described the agreement as a wasted opportunity.
West Midlands Friends of the Earth criticised the airport and the council for “failing to incorporate a robust climate-change policy.”
Spokesman Chris Crean said: “While the airport’s continuing commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of its operation and development is welcome, we remain concerned that the Section 106 Agreement as it stands allows for a considerable growth in aircraft noise pollution, night flights and greenhouse-gas emissions.”
An airport spokeswoman said: “There were issues raised on the night for which we are awaiting further clarification. Once we have understood the clarification we can take the project forward.”
The committee voted unanimously in favour of the plans and the matter will be passed to the government for the final rubber-stamping.
