Runway inquiry could be hit by two-year delay (From Echo)

Runway inquiry could be hit by two-year delay

2:00am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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A PUBLIC inquiry into a new runway at Stansted Airport could be delayed by up to two years.

The inquiry was due to start last April, but has been postponed until after the general election.

Now Mark Forster, spokesman for airport operator BAA, says time will be needed to review the airport’s planning application, first submitted in March 2008.

Mr Forster said: “Once the present uncertainty about ownership has been removed, BAA estimates a period of 12 to 18 months could be needed to review and update the material currently available.”

Stop Stansted Expansion chairman Peter Sanders said: “BAA’s response to the secretary of state shows an appalling disregard for the local community.

“We have lived under the threat of a second runway for almost eight years now.

“The only honourable course open to BAA is to withdraw its applications and to give a clear and unequivocal statement that it will not be making new applications for a project which creates blight without any real prospect of success.”

However, Stansted spokesman Mark Davidson said the group was one of the parties who objected to the inquiry's original timetable, while BAA and the inspector wanted it to proceed.