The National Trust is extremely disappointed that the Government has given the green light to BAA’s expansion plans for Stansted Airport.
Nick Champion, Regional Communications Manager for the National Trust in the East of England, said:
'The Government’s decision displays a blatant lack of regard for the local community and nature conservation around Stansted and a cavalier attitude towards the nation’s future.
'Maximum use of the existing runway at Stansted means an increase in annual passenger numbers of up to 16.5 million. This will have a huge negative impact on Hatfield Forest, in terms of both noise and air pollution.
'It will also mean significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions from the expected number of flights; directly contributing to climate change. Although BAA has continued to downplay the effects of aircraft emissions on the climate, a recent unpublished study by leading experts has revealed that airlines are pumping 20 per cent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than estimates suggest, with total emissions set to reach between 1.2 billion and 1.5 billion tonnes annually by 2025.
'The report, by four government-funded research bodies, is one of the most authoritative estimates of the growth of pollutants produced by the industry. The report, ‘Trends in Global Noise and Emissions From Commercial Aviation for 2000 through 2025’ (Fleming, Malwitz et al 2007), was submitted last year to the USA/Europe Air Traffic Management Seminar in Barcelona but withheld from wider publication. It is available online at www.aef.org.uk.'
“The government’s policy of airport expansion flies in the face of other efforts by individuals, businesses and other government departments to respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is particularly worrying in the light of the recent comments by Mike Pilling; Chair of the Government’s expert group on air quality, who said that the public ‘were being misled’ over the possible increases in air pollution from the proposed expansion at Heathrow Sunday Times, Sunday July 6 2008 . This decision at Stansted sends out completely the wrong message.'
'In the hope of protecting Hatfield Forest and the tranquillity enjoyed there by a quarter of a million visitors each year, we have proposed restrictions on the number of flights into and out of Stansted between certain hours during the day,' Nick continued. 'We have also set important obligations relating to air quality effects of an increased number of flights on the nature conservation of Hatfield Forest, particularly urging a constant monitoring of air quality.'
The National Trust has evidence that the expansion of Stansted airport will reduce the amount of time between planes taking off and landing on an average summer day from 117 seconds to 81 seconds. Peace and tranquillity at Hatfield Forest will be dramatically diminished.
Nick concluded: 'We will do everything in our power to safeguard Hatfield Forest for future generations, but today’s announcement is a major blow to a fragile remnant of Britain’s history. We urge the Government to listen to other voices than those promoting relentless economic growth and disregarding the consequences for people and wildlife. We will be scrutinising the Government’s announcement and will then decide what further course of action we may wish to take.'
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