A group campaigning against the proposed expansion of Stansted has released a dossier which it claims reveals the hardships suffered by homeowners unable to sell their properties.

The Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) report says airport blight started to take its toll about two years ago and shows no signs of ending.

This is in spite of airport operator BAA unveiling its Home Owner Support Scheme (Hoss) and recently-expressed opinion of estate agents that a bigger Stansted would increase demand for houses.

The SSE group's dossier contains a number of stories which it says shows the severe financial loss, postponed careers and retirement plans, and health under threat caused by the Government's proposals for a second runway at Stansted and increased use of the existing landing strip.

According to the campaign organisation, even those living in the noise contour are facing difficulty when potential buyers realise the extent of possible airport growth.

A spokesman for BAA Stansted said SSE had produced a "reactionary" press release.

Published Wednesday, October 6, 2004

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