Luton Airport expansion gets go-ahead from government despite planners' advice

Luton Airport's ambitious expansion plans have been approved by ministers, overriding advice from planners to reject the project until it met specific environmental criteria.

The green light, given by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, paves the way for the North London airport to commence construction work on a new terminal and taxiways, effectively increasing its annual capacity from 18 million to 32 million passengers, as reported by City AM.

The expansion, set to be completed by the mid-2040s, will enable the airport to accommodate an extra 77,000 flights annually, compared to the 132,000 it handled last year. It is also projected to generate 4,200 new jobs.

Despite the Planning Inspectorate advising the transport minister to reject the airport's application due to environmental concerns, Alexander has chosen to proceed with the expansion plans.

The Inspectorate had argued that the increased capacity would disrupt the "relative tranquillity" of the nearby Chiltern Hills, a scenic area in the home counties, much of which is designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

However, a statement from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed that "after careful consideration," Alexander decided to disregard these recommendations and approve the airport's development consent order (DCO).

A DfT spokeswoman confirmed the decision: "The secretary of state has approved Luton Airport's application to expand its passenger capacity via the construction of a new passenger terminal and additional aircraft stands."

In a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, DfT official Gareth Leigh noted that the "secretary of state had reached a different conclusion to the [examining authority]" on whether the effect of the expansion on the Chilterns National Landscape warranted the blocking of the project.

The resolution ends months of uncertainty and anticipation over the expansion's approval. The government had previously deferred its final determination three times before today.

This decision is further proof of the government's commitment to endorse major infrastructure projects in the UK; earlier this year, it granted Heathrow Airport permission to apply for a third runway.

Moreover, the government has signalled its intent to approve Gatwick’s request for an additional runway once it meets several environmental stipulations.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in a pivotal address in January, pledged to amend government policy to prevent hindrances to development.