Luton Airport’s expansion bid to fly over eight million more passengers a year has tonight (Friday) been given the green light by its owner, Luton borough council.
The major project was agreed to by just six members of the council’s 11-strong committee at the rescheduled meeting, which ended after a marathon eight hours.
The scheme includes nearly doubling passenger throughout to 18 million people a year, extending terminal and car park buildings, constructing a new parallel taxiway and extending aircraft parking aprons.
However the approval must now be communicated to the Secretary of State for Local Government Eric Pickles.
On November 18 the council received a direction, under the Town and Country Planning Management etc Order 2010 not to grant permission without specific authorisation from him.
This direction was issued to enable him to consider whether he should direct that the application be referred to him, under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Councillors at the meeting heard objections from residents and councillors from St Albans, Harpenden, Stevenage, Luton, Hitchin and Flamstead.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here