Luton Airport’s expansion plans have been given the green light by the Transport Secretary today, allowing the airport to almost double its passenger capacity, create jobs and paving the way for one of the largest economic boosts for the town and wider region in recent years.
For Lutonians, the plans are expected to deliver 11,000 new jobs and, each year, add £1.5billion into the local economy and up to £13million for communities and good causes.
The decision had suffered a series of delay but the long-awaited approval now means the airport will be able to handle up to 32 million passengers annually, a sharp rise from its current capacity of 18 million. The expansion, led by Luton Rising — the Luton Council-owned company responsible for the airport — includes a new terminal and infrastructure improvements designed to support long-term economic growth.
The news comes a week after 120 years of vehicle manufacturing in the town’s Vauxhall plant came to an end, with the loss of around 1,100 jobs, though Luton Council leader Hazel Simmons last year said that wider impact of closure was expected to affect 3,700 jobs and leave a £310million black hole in the the local economy.
Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer, London Luton Airport said: “We welcome today’s approval from Government, which now provides Luton with a generational opportunity to transform the town and our region’s economy. Once complete, these plans will generate an additional £1.5 billion for the economy every year and create up to 11,000 jobs.
“Our priority now is to finalise a commercial agreement with Luton Council to renew our successful partnership so together we can deliver on the Government’s growth policy, and make the expansion plans a reality as soon as possible. This will put Luton at the heart of a collective mission to achieve sustainable economic growth.”
Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire said: “Today marks a significant moment for our town and region. The growth of London Luton Airport will boost Luton’s economy by creating jobs, enhancing skills development, and supporting our charitable sector. It is a clear example of how a Labour Government will stimulate economic growth in communities like Luton, while remaining firmly committed to meeting our environmental responsibilities.”
Airport expansion construction timelines and final implementation details are expected to be announced in the coming months as the project moves into its next phase, but Paul Kehoe CBE, Independent Chair of Luton Rising, has also welcomed the decision, calling it a crucial step forward for the region’s economy.
“We welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport that our application for the long-term sustainable growth of our airport has been approved. Today’s decision enables us to continue detailed planning for the next chapter in the success story of London Luton Airport,” he said.
Kehoe highlighted the significant economic benefits that will come from the expansion.
“The benefits are clear. At a new capacity of 32 million passengers per year, our scheme will deliver up to 11,000 new jobs, additional annual economic activity of up to £1.5bn, and up to an additional £13m every year for communities and good causes.”
The approval comes despite concerns from environmental groups and local campaigners, who argue that increased air traffic could negatively impact air quality and carbon emissions. However, Luton Rising insists that sustainability has been at the heart of the plans, introducing measures to limit environmental impact.
“By introducing maximum limits for the airport’s noise, operational greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and surface access impacts, we also believe that our Green Controlled Growth framework represents the most far-reaching commitment to the sustainable operation of an airport ever put forward in the UK,” Kehoe added.
Public opinion on the expansion has been mixed, but Luton Rising maintains that support outweighs opposition.
“We would like to thank the many thousands in the local and business communities who have supported us in successfully making the case for growth. From polling that we commissioned last year, we also know that more than five times as many people support London Luton Airport’s expansion plans than oppose them.”
With the government’s backing secured, Luton Rising will now move ahead with its plans, working with local authorities and stakeholders to bring the expansion to life.
“We will review the details of the order and look forward to working with our partners to realise the significant economic, employment and social benefits for our town, the region and across the UK, as we contribute towards the Government’s vision for national growth,” Kehoe said.
Be the first to comment