The expansion of Stansted Airport by even a single extra runway would be "one of the greatest acts of vandalism in Britain's history," campaigners have warned the government.
One additional runway would create an airport as big as Heathrow in the heart of the Essex countryside, destroying forever the rural character of the region.
Two extra runways would make Stansted double the size of Heathrow, and say, the campaigners, would wreak "absolute hell."
The message to government, about to land on the desk of Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, is contained in Stop Stansted Expansion's formal response to his strongly opposed proposals for airport growth in the south east.
The proposals include an option for up to three additional runways at Stansted.
The response, published today follows months of consultation and protest meetings.
The 74-page document is a reflection of public opinion in Uttlesford and beyond, and it is also a compilation of the views of a wide range of experts. Professionals in ecology, noise levels, air quality, health and heritage have all made their contribution.
Stop Stansted Expansion says that there should be no further runways, either at Stansted, or the south east as a whole and the government should make this possible by adopting a vigorous policy of demand management.
Published Thursday, January 16, 2003
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