White Heather
Well-Known Member
It isn't but enough objectors aided by the five Labour MPs, and the local papers, have used the word expansion so much people believe it. The airport have failed to clarify this point often and vociferously enough, a point made to them yesterday. But, Councillors, advised by their Planning Officer and the airport CEO, should know better.Correct, as I understand it this is all about re designation of 06:00 to 06:30 as daytime, thereby removing it from the nightime period when a quota exists. With a single runway exactly how many extra flights do they expect in this half hour, remembering that at least 2 flights already operate before 06:30? The objectors seem to think this planning is about the increase to 7m passengers pa, which clearly it isnt.
They don't - or if they do, they appear perhaps to choose to pretend not to as it doesn't sit well with their anti airport agenda. Not all Councillors on the panel of course. The Tories seem supportive and none of the Tory MPs objected, even the one for Horsforth & Pudsey.
What will be interesting will be whether they object based on climate even after being advised that emissions are a Government matter and should not be used to refuse the application. That could surely be illegal and excellent grounds for appeal? The question is whether AMP Capital/LBA will go down that line and appeal. I hope they do and I have written and asked that they do too if the decision goes against them.