Luton Airport submits new application for massive expansion

In late February, Luton Rising (the trading name of Luton Airport) submitted its plans to the government to nearly double in size, from 18 million passengers per year to 32 million passengers per year. This is bad for people and bad for the planet.

This new application for expansion comes while the government is still considering Luton Airport’s previous application to expand from 18 million to 19 million passengers per year and to operate beyond its permitted noise contours.

CPRE Hertfordshire participated in the planning Inquiry on that earlier application as a Rule 6 objector during October and November 2022. We objected on the basis of the damage to the Green Belt and the wider countryside from increased air and noise pollution, and the extensive harm that would be caused to residents’ everyday life and enjoyment of the countryside and local green spaces. We anticipate a government decision later in 2023.

Rushing ahead with relentless expansion plans

But instead of waiting for the government’s decision on their earlier application, Luton Airport is rushing ahead with their relentless expansion plans. They have submitted a new application for expansion to 32 million passengers per year, along with building a new terminal, extending the runway, and considerably expanding other onsite facilities including car parking.

Every person in Herts, Beds and Bucks flying somewhere every month?!

Put into context, expanding Luton Airport to 32 million passengers per year is the equivalent of every person living in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire all making more than one flight each month, every month, year in and year out. We think this is outrageous.

Extreme harm

This will mean approximately 60% more flights, and commensurate increases in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The proposed expansion will have a devastating impact on the environment and an irreversible damage to the countryside. It will lead to the destruction of large parts of Wigmore Valley Park, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and natural habitat for wildlife as well as the loss of community recreation space. Expansion will also cause extreme harm to the tranquillity and landscape of the nearby Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

And the additional flights, noise and pollution will have a hugely detrimental impact on the daily life of everyone across a wide swathe Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Development Consent Order process

On 27 February 2023, Luton Airport submitted its application for a Development Consent Order. This is the special planning procedure for major infrastructure projects. From the date of submittal, the Planning Inspectorate has 28 days to decide whether to accept the application for examination or whether more documentation is needed. We understand that the submittal so far includes 198 documents running to over 25,000 pages.

Once the Planning Inspectorate accepts the application for examination, then members of the public may register as Interested Parties and make written representations. Find out more about the Development Consent Order process.

CPRE Hertfordshire will be continuing our campaign against the damaging expansion proposals, and we will post further updates and guidance in due course.

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