Government paves way for 400m runway extension at Birmingham Airport

Date added: 8 May, 2009

8.5.2009   (Birmingham Post)

By Patrice John

Plans to extend the runway of Birmingham Airport to accommodate long-haul flights
have received a resounding approval from the Government.

The Secretary of State has decided not to intervene in Solihull council’s decision
to grant planning permission for the scheme.

This means that subject to the signing of legal agreements with the airport the
plans will have the full go ahead.

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said the decision is great news for the region.

Spokesman John Lamb said: "This gives the extension the final green light and
a go ahead, which is good news.

"We have always felt this would open up opportunities for the region to the Far
East and America and this is vital to the economy and well-being of the region.

"At last, this is a step in the right direction for the airport which is good."

Solihull council granted planning permission for the extension of the runway
last month.

Birmingham airport had to resubmit its proposed Section 106 agreement, which
explained how it planned to counteract noise pollution and to protect the environment.

Councillors approved the 400-metre extension in December subject to the amended
guarantees that were made by the airport.

Supporters of the scheme believe it will increase the economic power of the region
by allowing long-haul flights which will bring better business links.

A Birmingham airport spokeswoman said: "The decision by the Secretary of State,
not to "call-in" the planning application, is an important milestone in providing
an extension to the airport’s runway, and the airport company now looks forward
to progressing the project."

Chairman of the Solihull Planning Sub Committee Coun Stuart Davis said: "I am
pleased that the Secretary of State feels this is a decision that does not need
her scrutiny and that can be determined by Solihull Council.

"It demonstrates our ability to provide proper local scrutiny to major infrastructure
projects.

"This development will help deliver national, regional and local benefits, and
I look forward to working with the airport to see the proposals being implemented
as soon as possible."

But Chris Williams, from the West Midlands Green Party, said:   "I am not surprised
by the Secretary of State’s decision as it seems clear the Government are content
on the destruction of the climate and we can see that through their decision to
expand Heathrow Airport.

"I think they want to see the same here, but there was always a hope this decision
would have been called in."

And his thoughts were supported by Chris Crean, from Birmingham Friends of the Earth, who said: "It is a great shame
that the Secretary of State have not given us the opportunity to bring the issues
surrounding the extension of the runway to a public inquiry.

"Allowing the aviation industry to expand where and whenever it likes does not
give a clear signal that the Government really wants to get to grips with the
climate change issue."

link to article

see also

Birmingham Airport plan prepares for take-off – 400m extension allowed

 31st March 2009     Plans to extend the runway at Birmingham finally got the go-ahead from Solihull
Council. Birmingham Airport had to resubmit its proposed Section 106 agreement,
which explained how it planned to counteract noise pollution and to protect the
environment. The planning committee approved the 400-metre extension in December
– subject to the amended guarantees now agreed. Expansion will enable bigger jets
to fly non-stop to long-haul destinations. (B’ham Post)   Click here to view full story…

Birmingham Airport runway extension plans approved

16th December 2008         Solihull’s planning sub committee said they would back the 400 m extension of
the runway, subject to planning gain constraints on noise and environmental protection,
to be agreed at a later meeting. In a unanimous vote they agreed to grant planning
permission providing the Section 106 agreement met their approval. They said they
had to consider the needs of the airport and the business sector, which wants
B’ham to compete on the ‘global stage’.(B’ham Post)     Click here to view full story…

Solihull Council to consider Birmingham Airport’s runway extension

20.11.2008     Click here to view full story…   (The runway application was submitted   7.1.2008 )

Posted: Friday, May 8th, 2009. Filed in News about Airports.