14 December 2004
Campaigners against the expansion of Britain’s airports are challenging the Government’s aviation White Paper in the High Court.
A judicial review centres on plans for expansion at Heathrow, Stansted and Luton.
The High Court challenge highlights what anti-expansion groups see as key ‘flaws’ in the White Paper.
Central to the opposition is BAA’s plan to expand Stansted by building an extra runway. The airport is the hub of many of the no-frills airlines operating in the UK and the company is offering to buy noise-hit properties for an index-linked, market price.
BAA also own Heathrow and Gatwick. They have said they cannot raise the money needed for the Stansted upgrades from current landing fees.
Opponents say the £2bn cost of the new runway could not be met unless cash from Heathrow and Gatwick was used.
