Stansted Airport has committed to push for improvements to the A120 in Essex as part of its blueprint for the next 15 years.

The airport yesterday published its final Sustainable Development Plan (SDP), following a consultation on its draft policy document.

Among the changes made after public comments is “a renewed commitment” by the airport to work with partners “to develop a robust business case to secure investment in transport infrastructure including the A120”.

Overall the SDP sets out the airport’s ambition to more than double its current 20 million passengers per year to 40-45 million within the existing airport boundary and approved environmental limits.

The airport has planning permission for up to 35 million passengers annually.

It hopes that using its existing spare capacity it could create 10,000 jobs on-site and £4.6billion in additional economic activity for the region.

Other changes made by the airport, owned by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) for two years now, to its SDP include:

• Working to minimise the impact of noise.

• The continuation of a Community Trust Fund to support social, economic and environmental projects.

• Extension to the apprenticeship programme to recruit 10 a year, and encourage airport businesses to provide opportunities.

Andrew Harrison, managing director, said: “Stansted has such a bright future and will play a key role in the region’s long term success by providing the international connectivity needed to make this part of the UK a great place to live and work.

“I would like to thank all respondents for their input into the consultation process and those that took time to visit the public exhibitions. The dialogue doesn’t stop here and we will continue with our partnership approach and ensure all our stakeholders are kept up to date with airport developments.”

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council and councillor for economic development, said: “We recognise and value the importance of Stansted Airport to our county’s economy, as a gateway to Europe and the rest of the world and therefore as a crucial enabler for our ambitious plans for growth.

“We welcome the positive relationships that have been established with MAG and plans to diversify the operations so look forward to working with MAG to build on this collaborative approach and help develop Stansted’s plans for growth.”

Plans to provide 10,000 new jobs were also welcomed.

Lady Newton, Braintree district councillor for planning and development, added: “Braintree District Council recognises the importance of Stansted Airport’s status as a major part of the UK’s strategic infrastructure and, increasingly, as a key driver of economic growth regionally and nationally.

“The airport is already a major employer of the district’s residents and will continue to provide significant employment opportunities so we support the airport’s planned growth within its existing planning permission.”