Biggin Hill airport expansion: It’s decision day déjà vu

Locals don't want any more of this (pic: Dean West)

** News update 9.30pm: Bromley council has rejected the revised application **

Four months after Bromley Council rejected an application by Biggin Hill to extend the airport, councillors will meet again tonight to consider yet another expansion proposal.

After the council rejected its original application citing strong opposition from local residents, the airport operator has watered down its plans, proposing to extend flight times in the mornings and evenings for the Olympics.

The new plans have met with significant local opposition, with 60 per cent of the 1741 respondents to a council consultation coming out against the proposals. This includes a number of residents of Chislehurst – as well as charity Chislehurst Society – which sits beneath the Biggin Hill flight path.

Concerns about future further expansion; noise and air pollution; and an increase traffic congestion are the main reason for objection.

The plans are supported by a number of local business groups. But intriguingly many of people who supported the plans are from outside the UK, including France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Poland, South Africa, Brazil and Australia.

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