Bim Afolami MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin & Harpenden, has begun a fresh bid to stop plans to expand London Luton Airport, following the submission of a Development Consent Order which aims to nearly double the airport’s capacity to 32 million passengers per annum.
Mr Afolami has consistently campaigned against any expansion of the airport and secured a call-in by the Government of plans to expand to 19 million passengers last year. That decision is currently being considered by the independent Planning Inspectorate.
Bim Afolami MP said,
“The expansion of London Luton Airport would increase noise and air pollution for surrounding communities in Hitchin, Harpenden and the villages. It would also place an excessive strain on local transport networks – leaving our rural roads and train system under real pressure.
“Thousands of you have already backed my campaign to prevent the expansion of the Airport. Together with local campaign groups we have mobilised real community support – and I know that we can protect our area from the threat of this expansion. I have asked the Secretary of State for an urgent meeting to discuss these plans and I will be presenting him with our community’s petition, showing the strength of local feeling against expansion.
“If you haven’t done already, please do sign my petition at the link below and together let’s stop this expansion.”
You can sign Bim’s petition at www.bimafolami.co.uk/stop-luton-expansion.
Cllr. David Barnard, County Councillor for Hitchin Rural said,
“This is an expansion proposal which will mean noisy night flights, and freight movements 24/7.
“There is already great pressure on our country lanes, without the massive increase in passengers, workers, delivery and supply vehicles, and more!
“Our countryside will be polluted by exhaust fumes, both from the aircraft and land vehicles, and light pollution from the new terminal and ancillary buildings.
“The delicate water aquifer is unlikely to be adequate to cater for the doubling in demand.
“Luton’s Gain…. Hertfordshire’s Pain.”
Cllr. Claire Strong, North Herts Conservative Leader and District Councillor for Hitchwood, Offa & Hoo said,
“Many residents neighbouring the airport are concerned that the consultation for further expansion was inadequate and hasn't taken into account the concerns raised and the effects this will have on their lives and the lives or their children and grandchildren. I would urge the public to continue to campaign by sending their objections while we await the results of the call-in for the last expansion. Luton Rising is not working in the best interests of the environment but for profits for Luton Council.”
Cllr. Lisa Scriven, Mayor of Harpenden said,
“The impact of the proposed airport expansion on Harpenden and the surrounding areas will be devastating. This proposal will impact each and every member of our community. We do not have the infrastructure to support the movement of the passenger numbers sited in this proposal and the environmental impact will be enormous. We need the community to come together on this and to make their objections heard.”
