Airport Bid Nosedives As New Terminal is Ruled Out

By Rhona Ganguly

The Government’s decision to reject Coventry Airport’s plans for a second terminal marks the end of a lengthy battle between the region’s two main airports.

At the start of a public inquiry in January 2006, Coventry accused Birmingham International Airport of “naked commercialism” in its attempts to halt the development of a rival hub.

Its claims came as a response to BIA’s opposition to the plans. Birmingham’s criticism was based on fears increased operations at the Baginton airport would hinder its own plans for a second runway.

BIA has since abandoned its hope of a second runway, but could still announce plans for an extension to its existing one later in the year.

During the inquiry, BIA argued Coventry Airport, which is located approximately 11 miles south-east of BIA, was situated beneath, but within the lateral limit of the Birmingham-controlled airspace area.

Its legal team argued that such close proximity had already caused delays to air traffic at both airports during peak periods.

Yesterday Maggie Throup, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Solihull, said BIA had left local residents in limbo.

She argued it was time for Birmingham to announce its plans for its own expansion.

“Birmingham Airport has always said it wouldn’t release its masterplan until it knew what was happening with Coventry. It has got a knock-on effect for Birmingham.

“I am calling on Birmingham Airport to publish the masterplan now for the residents to know how they are going to be affected.”

The dispute over Coventry Airport’s operations and expansion plans has been a long running issue with the local planning authority, Warwick District Council.

Yesterday the council welcomed the Government’s rejection of Coventry’s expansion.

Councillor John Hammon, the council’s portfolio holder for development, said: “I am very pleased that the Government has finally resolved the issue of the impact of Coventry Airport on the local area.

“This council has been faced with great difficulties in dealing with the airport’s ambitions for expansion, balancing the concerns of the local community against wider regional and national policy.

“In refusing the proposal for a terminal, this decision now provides the clarification the council needs and acknowledges the concerns of the local community.

“It is a good decision and one I am sure will be welcomed by many.”

His sentiments were echoed by conservation groups in the region. Chris Crean, West Midlands Friends of the Earth campaigns coordinator, said: “This is a great day for local democracy and the planning system.

“It shows how vital it is for people to have a real voice in the way key decisions are made about their local area.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this long-fought struggle with the operators of Coventry Airport.

“We also applaud the secretaries of state for reining in the airport’s operations and behaviour.

“Ironically this decision could be one of the last examples of people power through democratic planning if the Government presses ahead with its Planning White Paper reforms.

“Unless people fight for their rights, local people and councils will have no real say and no right to be heard in this type of planning decision in the future.”

Archie Muir, chairman of the Campaign Against Expansion at Coventry Airport (CAECA), added: “We are very pleased that our good common sense arguments have won the day in front of an independent inspector.

“We said this development was not needed on a number of grounds and the Government has agreed with us. We argued that this area should not be despoiled without good reason and that argument won out. We thank everyone who has contributed to this fantastic decision.”

rhonaganguly@mrn.co.uk

(c) 2007 Birmingham Post; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.