Anti expansion group wants airport scheme put in a Pickles

Lobby group Hertfordshire Against Luton Expansion (HALE) is lobbying Secretary of State Eric Pickles to “call in” the application which is set to increase night-flights and passenger numbers.

HALE’s Andrew Lambourne said: “They say the planned improvements to the M1 Junction 10A roundabout has implications which are nationally significant but the airport is not!

“I believe the application is legally obliged to be decided by Mr Pickles. He is resisting but at least three MPs are asking for it to be and we are calling for it to be called in.”

On Thursday, no date had been set by Luton Council’s Development Control Committee for the application to be considered.

A spokesman for Luton Borough Council denied there was a conflict of interest in the authority’s role as both planning decider and shareholder of applicant London Luton Airport Ltd.

“The council’s role as local planning authority is entirely separate to that as shareholder of London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL).

“Each is run wholly independently of each other, with their respective functions entirely separate.”

He added that the application is being dealt with impartially, fairly and transparently.

A decision will, he continued, “be based on sound judgements that need to be supported by clear planning reasons and taken in accordance with the relevant policies in the development plan.”

A planning application submitted by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd has sparked a fierce debate between supporters and opponents, with supporters like Looternite on the website www.lutontoday.co.uk saying “Do not let the NIMBYs get control of the debate. This area needs Luton Airport more than ever.”

But antis claim if the developments are allowed to go ahead, it will lead to a huge increase in night flights.

The application can be viewed at www.eplan.luton.gov.uk under application number 12/01400.

The consultation period for the application will run until 18 February 18.