East Midlands Airport runway expansion approved subject to restrictions

05/11/2009

By Sam Lock.

East Midlands Airport has been given permission to add an extension to its runway after a nine-year campaign.

North West Leicestershire district council endorsed the £4 million plans for the Castle Donington site, which will see 190 metres added to the facility's existing runway.

However, the council had imposed restrictions on the plans, including maximum noise levels of 55 decibels in the region surrounding the airport and a cap on night-time flights.

Nick Rushton of North West Leicestershire district council said: "By imposing these conditions on the airport through this planning application we can ensure the local community is protected from an unchecked growth in flights."

He added that the restrictions would allow the airport to continue as a viable business without threatening the quality of life of local residents.

The rules were inspired by similar conditions imposed upon the expansion of Stansted Airport in Essex.

In related news, bmibaby announced a new service from East Midlands Airport to Bastia in Corsica on September 17th, set to take off for the first time in May 2010.

This article was brought to you by Park and Go providers of East Midlands Airport Parking