Airport expansion plans 'flawed'

Ancient woodland near Luton 'could be lost forever'

Government plans to expand airports have been strongly criticised by environmentalists in two reports published on Wednesday.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) said the proposals understated the environmental damage that would be caused by expansion at sites such as Stansted, Luton and Alconbury.

And the Woodlands Trust raised fears that ancient woodland near all three airports would be destroyed if the plans go ahead.

Neil Sinden, policy director for the CPRE, said: "Huge swathes of countryside could be lost or damaged as a result."

Climate change is the biggest threat to biodiversity and the survival of ancient woods

Mike Townsend Woodlands Trust

The reports have been published 10 days before the end of the consultation period.

Mr Sinden said independent research carried out for the CPRE showed the government's consultation process was "seriously flawed".

"Public policy should be based on sound evidence and public involvement.

"We fear that both are in short supply when considering air transport."

The Woodlands Trust said nearly 1000 hectares of ancient woodland would be concreted over nationally if the plans go ahead.

Greenhouse gases

In addition, Mike Townsend, chief executive of the Trust, warned: "Climate change is the biggest threat to biodiversity and the survival of ancient woods.

"Aviation makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change."

The government says expansion is needed at airports across the UK to cope with a massive rise in demand for air travel forecast over the next 30 years.

Runway extended

Three new runways are planned at Stansted in Essex to create another international hub airport.

The government proposal includes plans for a longer runway at Luton to allow for an increase in passengers from six million to 31 million.

And in Cambridgeshire, the former RAF airfield at Alconbury could become a freight and low-cost airport catering for up to five million passengers a year.