Representation by Paul Johnson
- Date submitted
- 22 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have several issues: 1. For the UK is to become carbon neutral by 2050 we MUST reduce - NOT increase the use of Aircraft - This proposal is targeted to increase capacity from 18M to 32M passengers per annum - peeking in 2043 just 7 years before the carbon Neutral deadline!!!. Pretending that "planting trees" will compensate for this growth is not only cynical and misinformed but utter rubbish. 2. There is a serious conflict of interest with Luton Borough Council being BOTH the responsible Planning Authority AND the Owner of the Airport, receiving revenue per passenger per flight. They are therefore highly motivated to support and approve this application to virtually double the number of passengers from 18M to 32M per year and thereby their income - which solely benefits Luton residents. It cannot be right that Luton Borough Council are allowed to be both Gamekeeper and Poacher!!! 3. Luton Airport sits on the southern border of Bedfordshire/Luton and the northern border of Hertfordshire/Harpenden with flight paths largely crossing over East, West, and North Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire has no say or authority to manage the effects of this proposed expansion or receive any of the financial benefits. 4. At a local level, the increase in noise, pollution and traffic congestion will disproportionately affect the residents of Hertfordshire in particular the towns of Harpenden, Stevenage, Hitchin, St Albans and all the villages under the flightpath. 5. Luton Borough Council has been unable or unwilling to control the last round of expansion to 18M passengers - allowing the passenger numbers to grow more quickly than planned and to exceed those approved by 1M - whilst the environmental conditions on which the approval was based have still NOT been achieved. Their inability or unwillingness to control previous approved growth plans indicates that it is highly unlikely that they will manage this proposed, very large, "phased" expansion any better. 6. In summary this application MUST NOT be approved, and Luton Borough Council MUST be required to relinquish ownership of the Airport so they can act as an unbiased Planning Authority in the interest of the community.