Three Conservative MPs have reacted to the news that the Government will not intervene over the expansion of Luton Airport.
Plans to expand the airport which will see up to 150 extra flights a day have been given the go-ahead. The plans submitted by airport operators London Luton Airport Operations Ltd, will see passenger capacity increase from 12.5million to 18million a year by 2026, with 55,000 more flights a year – increasing from 102,000 to 157,000 by 2028.
Oliver Heald, MP for North East Hertfordshire, said: “I am disappointed at the decision. An independent decision would have been preferred.
“I hope the airport will give strong commitments on noise and night flights and I will also press for reduced noise from flights through better routing and quieter planes. The airport needs to do everything possible to make this more acceptable for residents.”
Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said: “It was an important opportunity for a transparent and independent public inquiry into the proposed expansion, which local people could be involved in.
“It is important that any increase in capacity has to include noise reduction measures, so the quality of life locally is not affected, and residents have proper protections against disturbance from night flights.”
Hitchin MP Peter Lilley said: “It would have been in everybody’s interests to call this decision in, including Luton Borough Council, because an independent decision would have commanded universal confidence.”
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