The leader of North Herts Council has described the local authority as "deeply disappointed" by the decision to expand the capacity of Luton Airport.

The airport is set to see passenger numbers increase from 18 million to 19 million passengers per year, following a decision in Westminster.

The council will also join a number of neighbouring authorities in opposing a further expansion to 32 million passengers per year.

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis said: "We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the Secretaries of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, to expand the current capacity of London Luton Airport from 18 to 19 million passengers per annum (mppa).

The Comet: Cllr Elizabeth Dennis has described North Herts Council as deeply disappointed.Cllr Elizabeth Dennis has described North Herts Council as deeply disappointed. (Image: Archant)

"This decision flies in the face of public opposition, and completely ignores the climate emergency.

“We remain very concerned at the further expansion of the airport, giving rise to greater carbon emissions, noise, air pollution and traffic congestion.

"We are not persuaded that the mitigations proposed are adequate or sufficient to meet our climate responsibilities, and our offer to codesign solutions with Luton remains open.

"Together with Hertfordshire County Council and our neighbouring authorities, we continue to oppose the further expansion of the airport to 32 mppa through the ongoing examination process."

Despite the council's concerns, a spokesperson for London Luton Airport told the BBC that they were "excited that this positive decision" would provide "the platform for the airport's future success".

The Comet: The capacity of Luton Airport is set to reach 19 million per year.The capacity of Luton Airport is set to reach 19 million per year. (Image: Archant)

Alberto Martin, chief executive of London Luton Airport, said: "We are delighted that the two secretaries of state have reached their long-awaited decision, which now ensures London Luton Airport is well positioned to secure its economic future and continue to deliver for our passengers and our local communities."

"This plan is consistent with our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality for our own operations by 2026 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040."

The Comet: Victoria Collins described the expansion as an insult to Harpenden.Victoria Collins described the expansion as an insult to Harpenden. (Image: Courtesy of Victoria Collins)

Victoria Collins, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted has previously described the expansion as "an insult to Harpenden and our villages".

She continued: "Despite the admission that there will be more emissions from aircraft and ground transport, and that air quality will be adversely impacted as a result of this expansion, the Conservative Secretaries of State have approved the expansion anyway."