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Have a say as airport plans go on display
PLANS to expand Luton Airport and double passenger numbers will go on show in Linslade next week.
The consultation event on Wednesday, February 22, will give people a chance to look at the plans, which would see capacity at the airport increased to 18 million passengers a year, with the possibility of growth to 30 million in the future, using the existing runway.
The expansion was discussed at Leighton-Linslade Town Council’s sustainable transport committee meeting last Monday.
Committee chair Councillor Alan Shadbolt said the council would submit its opinions once they had seen the details of the proposals.
He said: “It was felt mainly that the numbers being increased wouldn’t affect Leighton Buzzard – there would be more air traffic but they would still have to stick to the same flight path.”
The consultation event runs from 2pm to 8pm at Linslade Community Hall in Waterloo Road. The proposals can also be viewed online at www.futureluton.co.uk
After the six-week consultation period, Luton Borough Council’s plans will be finalised before a formal planning application is submitted in April. The airport is owned by the council, with London Luton Airport Limited (LLAL) running it on behalf of taxpayers.
LLAL says the growth would create 6,000 new jobs at the airport, but anti-noise campaigners have voiced concerns about the increase in passenger numbers.
Michael Nidd of the London Luton Airport Town & Villages Communities Committee (LLATVCC) said aircraft noise, traffic congestion and other issues would double, and thinks planes will have to take off and land throughout the night to accommodate the extra passengers.
LLAL has assured the public it will take views contributed during the consultation into account when finalising the planning application.
Luton Borough Council deputy leader Robin Harris, who chairs LLAL, said any growth in passenger numbers would be managed in “a responsible manner”.
He said: “We are committed to ensure the airport will continue to be a good neighbour. Impacts on the environment, noise and road traffic flows will be fully evaluated as part of the process.”
>> Do flights impact on your life at the moment? What is your view on the expansion. Our contact details are on page 2.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
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