Stansted second runway plan 'does have backing', says BAA

26/02/2010

By Jeremy Price.

There is significant support for the construction of a second runway at London Stansted Airport, owners BAA have stated.

Responding to claims made by a local MP that the company has "no serious ally" for the plans, BAA has revealed that it has significant backing from regional businesses, the Dunmow Broadcast reports.

According to the firm, a 2006 Chamber of Commerce survey showed that 83 per cent of businesses in the area were behind the plans for a second runway, while half said it would benefit them directly.

It also stated that it is currently waiting for a proposed public inquiry to be given the green light.

"The Confederation of British Industry, Essex Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk Institute of Directors, East of England Development Agency and East of England International are some of the organisations that back the plans," BAA told the newspaper.

The company conceded that the public enquiry may not happen until after the general election and may not happen at all if Tory leader David Cameron comes to power.

Stansted is the UK's third busiest airport, offering 160 routes to some 30 countries worldwide.

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