According to the airport, the council’s decision – which was based on concerns over the impact of noise on residents – was wrong as it did not properly balance the disadvantages with the benefits.
“We are disappointed with Newham Council’s refusal of our proposals that will deliver significant benefits to our local community – including new jobs, more choice of holiday destinations for passengers and better local transport connections,” said chief executive Robert Sinclair.
His words were echoed by the likes of Lloyd Johnson, Chairman of Newham Chamber of Commerce as well as by John Dickie, chief executive of lobby group BusinessLDN, who both highlighted the expansion’s positive impact on the economy.
“We must continue to enhance our links with the rest of the world in the face of strong international competition for talent, investment, and tourism,” said Dickie.
Launched in December, the proposal included increasing the number of flights in the first 30 minutes of operations from six to nine, while extending the operating hours on Saturdays to 6.30pm and 7.30pm in the summer.
The airport however said that all aircraft operating during the proposed extension would be cleaner and quieter.
“If the appeal can be determined shortly, our airlines will be able to progress re-fleeting to cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft sooner; delivering more choice for passengers, more jobs for local people and reducing the overall noise impact as early as next summer,” Sinclair added.
TTG has approached the council for comment.
