London Stansted’s expansion plans have attracted significant public and organisational backing ahead of a key planning decision. The airport has applied to raise its annual passenger cap to 51 million, with councillors due to determine the application on Wednesday 17 December.
Uttlesford District Council has received 1,410 comments in support of the proposal. These submissions come from a wide range of stakeholders, including local residents, airport employees, airlines, passengers, unions, businesses, and organisations across the tourism, hospitality, and education sectors.
Nearly half of the supporting comments point to the economic impact of the London Stansted expansion plans, highlighting the potential to stimulate the local economy, attract new investment, and create employment opportunities. Planning officers have recommended approval of the application, subject to conditions, citing the “clear economic benefits” associated with the proposals.
Support has also focused on transport improvements and wider opportunities linked to growth, such as increased destination choice and expanded training provision. If approved, growth to 51 million passengers a year would deliver a range of outcomes. These include the creation of 4,500 new jobs supported by existing training and education facilities, improvements to M11 Junction 8 to reduce congestion, additional funding for local bus services, roads, and tackling fly-parking, and a commitment that over half of all passenger journeys would be made by public transport to ease pressure on local roads.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who submitted a comment in support of our plan – it’s a real vote of confidence. We’re in this for the long haul – putting in the place the measures now to support growth in the future. Now it’s up to local councillors to weigh the evidence and make their decision.”
Business and civic leaders have also voiced their backing for the London Stansted expansion plans. Denise Rossiter, CEO of Essex Chambers of Commerce & industry Ltd, said: “The Essex Chambers of Commerce strongly support Stansted Airport’s application to increase its passenger cap from 43m to 51m passengers per year.
“Our membership is very substantially in support of the airport’s plans, encouraged by the economic opportunities for Essex businesses and reassured by the sustainability of the proposals.
“The development of the airport, a key international gateway to the world, will be critical to the growth and increased prosperity of Essex, and its attractiveness as a destination for investment”.
Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive of London Chambers of Commerce & Industry, said: “Increasing passenger capacity at Stansted is a strategic investment that strengthens London and the UK’s position as a global hub – creating new jobs, improving connectivity, and enhancing the airport’s ability to attract new routes and airlines.
“Building next-generation infrastructure is essential for driving long-term economic growth across London and the East of England, ensuring the region remains globally competitive, connected and resilient.”
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, added: “London Stansted provides hugely important international connectivity for Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and the wider East of England. The airport is crucial to my plan to make our region the fastest-growing economy in the UK.
“That’s why I support Stansted’s efforts to grow sustainably and continue delivering economic stimulus for our communities. I hope the District Council supports its planning application.”
Academic and workforce representatives have also expressed support. Dr Robert Singh, Director of Research and Enterprise Office at the University of Essex, said: “The University of Essex strongly supports London Stansted Airport’s proposals to expand passenger numbers to 51 million by 2040.
“This growth offers the region greater global connectivity – allowing our international students to access the University more easily and reducing travel from other airports, and it will help drive economic growth in the region, increasing the local employment opportunities for our graduates.
“We are pleased that this growth can be delivered without increasing the number of flights from the airport and so minimising impact on the surrounding area and the environment”.
Unite regional officer Steve Edwards said: “Unite has long been supportive of expansion plans for London Stansted Airport, which we agree will bring thousands of new jobs to the local community, boost the economy and safeguard existing roles by ensuring they can adapt to a rapidly changing sector.
“There is also a fantastic opportunity here for investment in cleaner technologies such as sustainable aviation fuel which will protect and create jobs while maintaining environmental commitments.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Stansted Airport and the local council to ensure any new jobs that come out of proposed expansion are well-paid, unionised and have opportunity for career development as well as protecting existing roles.”
