Meeting held on airport expansion plans
05.04.08
Some of the residents living near Birmingham Airport aired their views over the proposed runway extension at a public meeting this week, the Birmingham Mail reports. The controversial £1 billion plan to extend the runway by 405 metres towards Bickenhill and Hampton-in-Arden could see up to 17,000 extra flights a year and create more than 2000 jobs.
At a meeting organised by Birmingham Friends of the Earth and the Birmingham Airport Anti-Noise Group this week, some residents used the opportunity to express their fears over the plans. Chris Crean, from Friends of the Earth, said: 'By increasing the length of the runway we are adding to a problem caused by very few people which effects everyone on the Earth.’
However, Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull, spoke in favour of the plans. She said: ‘This increase in the length of the runway will create thousands of jobs both in terms of the building work, at the airport and the increased prosperity it will bring. It will encourage trade from places like China and India by improving communications. It is not going to mean that money leaves the area, it is going to bring money in to the local economy.’
John Morris, head of corporate and community affairs at Birmingjam Airport, told the meeting: ‘The airport recognises its responsibilities, but this is about balance. We will get a disproportionate economic advantage compared to the downsides of extending the runway.’
‘Also, you must not think that if we do not extend the runway it will mean no expansion of the airport. The airport is expanding all of the time. This will just give us greater ability to run long-haul flights and increase trade with farther flung markets.’
Other proposals under the plan would be a new terminal and control tower, increased airport parking and increased airport hotels.
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