Representation by Martin Hindmarsh
- Date submitted
- 23 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
London Luton Airport is not a private concern but a community airport which has delivered massive benefits to the people of Luton, and beyond, over the past decades. During the last 20 years revenues from the airport have provided many millions of pounds to help fund frontline services delivered by Luton Council and support a wide range of community groups and charitable organisations which exist to help some of the most vulnerable people living in the area. The money received from the airport by these organisations cannot be replaced by funds from elsewhere and any limitations placed on the airport's operations - and therefore revenues - would have a direct and negative impact on the people they help. Every additional passenger passing through the airport generates additional revenue for community causes. For this reason, coupled with the fact that the expansion plans include extensive measures designed to protect the environment and ecology in the area, I believe that the expansion of London Luton Airport is of vital importance to the town and the surrounding area. If the airport is unable to expand its operations and continue to grow as a commercial enterprise, its ability to provide the vital financial support detailed above, plus the potential for additional direct and secondary employment, would inevitably be reduced. The impact of this would be felt most by some of the most vulnerable members of the local community.