Council voices concerns over airport expansion

Stansted Airport wants to handle up to 51 million passengers a year

A council has voiced its concerns over a planning application to expand the capacity of London Stansted Airport.

Hertfordshire County Council published its response outlining concerns on behalf of residents and businesses.

If approved, up to 51 million people a year could pass through the terminal in neighbouring Essex, making it the UK's second-busiest airport.

Paul Zukowskyj, Liberal Democrat executive member for environment, transport and growth at the council, said: "We are clear that any growth or expansion must be sustainable and of benefit to the local area, including to those just over the border here in Hertfordshire."

Stansted's latest plan, submitted to Uttlesford District Council, sought to further increase its passenger capacity to between 48 and 51 million per year by 2040.

It has already started work on a £1.1bn expansion approved by the government in October 2024.

Hertfordshire County Council said larger aircraft, which would be used to increase passenger numbers, could have detrimental impacts.

Stansted has already had plans approved to expand its terminal

It previously urged Stansted to halt its expansion over concerns about air quality and noise levels.

Zukowskyj said: "Expansion at Stansted would, of course, bring economic benefits but I question how much of those benefits will be seen by those whose lives will be blighted by increased traffic, pollution and most importantly, noise."

The council said it was "cautiously optimistic" that the expansion could be brought forward within the environmental limits in place.

Zukowskyj added: "The local planning authority simply pushing on at this stage without specialist technical advice would be a mistake.

"As a council we want to see the entire country prosper, but not to the detriment of local people and businesses who may be negatively impacted by the proposals currently being put forward."