SSE to spark court battle
CAMPAIGNERS have today (Friday) vowed to take the government to the High Court over a decision to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport. Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) have lodged an appeal challenging last month s decision by the Government to sa
CAMPAIGNERS have today (Friday) vowed to take the government to the High Court over a decision to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport.
Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) have lodged an appeal challenging last month's decision by the Government to sanction an additional 10 million passengers a year on the airport's existing runway, but airport owner BAA expects it to stand firm.
A spokeswoman for BAA said: "We believe it's up to the government to defend its position and decision and we have every confidence it will do so very robustly."
The SSE's action comes within days of it being confirmed that a Public Inquiry to consider plans for a second runway at Stansted is to start in April 2009 and they hope that they would derail these plans if the legal challenge succeeds.
You may also want to watch:
Peter Sanders, Chairman of SSE, said: "We have no choice but to mount a legal challenge to this decision. When it reaches the stage where the Government is prepared to disregard the climate change impacts, the noise impacts and even the interests of the UK economy in order to satisfy its obsession for airport expansion, then it is time to ask the High Court to intervene. The issues at stake here go far wider than Stansted."
Mr Sanders concluded: "This will be a major strain on our financial resources especially since we also face the prospect of having to contest plans for a second Stansted runway at a major Public Inquiry next year. We are therefore appealing to the public for their support."
Most Read
- 1 Long recycling centre queues into the road 'nearly cause accident'
- 2 Council responds to unflattering comments
- 3 High Street shop staff will 'miss Saffron Walden community'
- 4 Footpath sign that points to wall is likened to Harry Potter book
- 5 Airport group's CEO reacts to Covid roadmap and says Budget offers hope
- 6 Boy, five, who could wave cancer goodbye this year dances with twin brother
- 7 MP responds to HuffPost Twitter row
- 8 Another business permanently closes its doors in Saffron Walden
- 9 Flitch Trials rescheduled to 2022
- 10 Boots suffers perfumes theft and damage to doors
Donations and pledges to SSE for the High Court Appeal Fighting Fund should be sent to SSE at PO Box 311, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, Herts CM22 6PY.
