Birmingham airport runway extension plan given go-ahead
CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend the runway at Birmingham International Airport finally got the go-ahead last night from Solihull Council.
News of the successful planning application came as a massive transport boost was announced on the region’s railways. Network Rail unveiled improvements with £90 million invested in the West Midlands as well as funding for the £600 million New Street Station project. The funding allows for more train services in Bromsgrove and Redditch, longer platforms at stations across Birmingham, Coventry and Walsall and signalling improvements across the West Coast Main Line which links the Midlands to London (Report Page 14).
Birmingham Airport had to resubmit its proposed Section 106 agreement, which explained how it planned to counteract noise pollution and to protect the environment. Councillors on the planning committee approved the 400-metre extension in December - subject to the amended guarantees that were made at last night’s meeting.
Measures include limits on night flights, noise control, public transport plans and a 20-year annual £10,000 tree planting scheme. Expansion will enable bigger jets to fly non-stop to long-haul destinations, such as China, India and the west coast of America.
Business leaders and the airport operators insist that the longer runway will boost the economy, create new jobs and allow the region to compete on the global stage. But the planning committee heard five representations from worried residents, including Russell Hog, from the Catherine-de-Barnes Residents’ Association. He said: “Night flying is the real issue for local residents. We are looking at the council to protect us.”
