The proposed expansion includes an extension to the terminal building, new taxiways and aircraft stands, and upgrades to the road network around the airport. The expansion is expected to create over 7,000 new jobs and generate over £2 billion for the local economy. The plans have been submitted to Luton Borough Council and are subject to approval.
An application has been submitted for plans to expand London Luton Airport, with the aim of increasing the number of passengers from 18 million to 32 million per year.
The airport is owned by Luton Rising, a company owned by Luton Council, and it is anticipated that the proposed expansion could generate £1.5bn annually and create numerous job opportunities.
However, campaigners against noise pollution have labelled the plans as “tragic”. The application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for a development consent order, which includes plans for new terminal capacity, an airfield platform extension, and new airside and landside facilities.
According to a council spokesman, the airport is a major contributor to the region’s economic growth and is one of the largest employers in the area. It has increased in value as an asset through successive investments. The spokesman also said that the expansion is expected to generate an additional £14m annually for communities in Luton and the surrounding areas.
Furthermore, for every passenger above the current capacity of the airport, it will invest an additional £1 into local communities to help address deprivation.
Andrew Lambourne, a spokesperson for Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (LADACAN), a local protest group, said that the councillors running Luton Rising have become so focused on expanding the airport that they have disregarded the need for caution.
Lambourne added that the proposal would create noise pollution across north Hertfordshire and keep thousands of people awake at night due to flights starting as early as 5 a.m. and running late into the night.
He further stated that the harms of the expansion plans outweigh any potential benefits. The Planning Inspectorate will review the airport’s expansion application and decide within 28 days whether it meets the required standards for examination or requires further documentation.
