Councillors will stand expansion plans near London Luton Airport, which could see the number of passengers almost double by 2040.

St Albans District Council councillors has agreed to oppose the plans which include the building of a new passenger terminal and additional aircraft stands, which would see the airport’s capacity reach 32 million passengers a year.

The proposals are similar to those first put forward by Luton Airport in 2019, with the district council arguing it would have significant impact on noise, pollution and traffic in the area.

The airport currently has the capacity for 18 million passengers a year, but the recent plans brought forward by Luton Rising could see that rise over the next 10 years, if backed by central government.

If approved, the new proposals would see the airport grow significantly, and also include an extension to the existing terminal along with new dual carriageway and parking areas.

The work would be carried out over two phases, with capacity rising to 21.5 million passengers by 2028 as a result of new aircraft stands, before the more significant work is completed by 2040.

 

London Luton Airport. Credit: PA

London Luton Airport. Credit: PA

 

While the council will not have a final say on whether the plans go ahead, it can share their views during the consultation period.

Councillors on the district council’s planning referrals committee on Monday (March 28) backed a strong objection to the plans, with one member saying it’s noise from the airport “possibly is, outside the bins, the biggest thing people in my ward complain about”.

A report claimed it’s not possible to conclude the proposals can be achieved without “significant noise and pollution impacts” or that these can be suitably controlled.

It also questions whether an expansion of a southern airport advances the government’s ‘levelling up’ plans, and if it can be justified at a time of uncertainty around air travel.

Councillors unanimously agreed with the officers’ report and recommendation, and will submit the response as part of the Luton Rising consultation.

The consultation ends on April 4, with the airport expecting to submit an application to the Secretary of State for Transport before the end of 2022. If approved, initial work could begin on the project as soon as 2025.