+ London City Airport problems. 4-0 at half time

Late last year, London City Airport submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Newham to allow for an expansion in passenger numbers via Saturday afternoon flights but no increase in actual movements.

This has been rejected by Councillors on Newham’s Strategic Development Committee by four votes to nil.  

Among those speaking in opposition, Councillor Nate Higgins of the Green Party said the airport was a “blight on residents” and said it should be closed, not expanded.

Lloyd Johnson, Chairman of Newham’s Chamber of Commerce, said “for me, it’s so important that we see growth within the borough and if we are asking the airport to not grow we’re essentially asking the airport to go backwards.”

The airport points out that out of 57,379 letters that were sent out to nearby residents earlier this year as part of a public consultation, there were 1,644 letters of objection.

TNU Editor in Chief Malcolm Ginsberg joined Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 phone-in soon after the result was published.  He said that some of the objections raised were simply ludicrous pointing out that most of the area north of the airport was derelict in the 1970s when the airport was being developed.  “Today it is part of a thriving docklands community.  Close the airport and what have you left?”  

John Dickie, Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, said: “City Airport is an important part of the aviation network that keeps London – and the UK – connected to the global 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. Private investment in better connectivity across the UK and other overseas markets will give Londoners and inbound tourists alike more choice and boost the British economy.”

The airport says it will appeal but the Mayor of London is not a supporter.  It would then go to the Minister for Aviation, but here the timetable becomes an issue.  The next United Kingdom general election is scheduled to be held no later than 28 January 2025.  Should the appeal process be extended would a Labour transport minister support this very limited opening hours extension?

An industry expert says it is 4-0, but only at half time. "A shake-up in the dressing room might do the trick".

www.londoncityairport.com

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

John Jones, East Ham

Mr Brewster is 100% correct. I see that that the London City PR man resigned some months ago and is now with Global Airlines?

James Brewster, London Docklands

With the current Mayor LCY has no hope for a change of planning. At least with Johnson he ‘flew the flag’ for London all over the World. All the present incumbent does is play politics in a bid to stay in power. Has he ever visited London’s lifelines, Gatwick, Heathrow and of course City?