High Court challenge to the Government decision to expand capacity on Stansted’s single runway
SUMMARY:
decision to sanction BAA’s application for an additional 10 million passengers
a year on Stansted Airport’s runway will be heard over three days next week –
Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 February – in the High Court, London).
(a few minutes walk from the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand)
recently retired High Court Judge, with a decision expected to be forthcoming
very shortly thereafter.
increase in Stansted’s capacity was approved, it would result in the decision
to allow Stansted to handle an additional 10 million passengers a year being quashed.
challenges three aspects of the Government’s decision to approve an extra 10 million
passengers a year and the related extra flights on Stansted’s runway:
however substantial, can be disregarded in the decision to approve the extra flights;
disregarded;
afield cannot amount to a reason for refusal because to do so would frustrate
Government policy.
in law and in breach of clear assurances previously provided by the Government
that although its policy was to support the expansion of Stansted Airport, any
specific proposal would still be subject to rigorous examination at a planning
inquiry, where all the environmental and economic impacts would be fully considered.
If allowed to go unchallenged, the Government’s decision could have national repercussions
as well as impacts on the case against a second runway at Stansted which is due
to be heard at a Public Inquiry currently scheduled to begin in April.
SSE’s decision to mount this High Court challenge and in some cases have provided
financial support. Those who support SSE in this matter include the Campaign to
Protect Rural England (CPRE), Woodland Trust, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace,
Aviation Environment Federation, HACAN Clear Skies [Heathrow], ReStoreUK, Ramblers
Association, and the World Development Movement.
Hannett of 4-5 Grays Inn Square, London and solicitors Leigh Day & Co, St
John’s Lane, London.
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, SSE: M 0777 552 3091,