Press reports yesterday and again today that ministers will 'call in' airport operator BAA's application to build a second runway at Stansted Airport this week have been dismissed as speculation, TTG reports.
A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which can review planning decisions by local authorities, said no decision had been taken on the issue. The spokesman pointed out a local planning decision is not expected until September.
The department does not appear to have commented on the second part of the story - that Stansted would be given permission to increase the number of flights it operates, which could see capacity at the hub increase to 35 - 40 million passengers a year. The Times said yesterday that this decision would be announced this week too. |
