The noise impact of an expanded Stansted Airport on Chelmsford has been completely under-estimated, say borough councillors.

The Liberal Democrat-controlled council's development policy board last week considered its response to government consultation on the future of airports in the south-east - the controversial document which suggests up to three new runways at Stansted or a new airport at Cliffe in north Kent.

Much more information is needed before a really accurate assessment of the effects of the various options can be made, councillors concluded, and they pointed to a number of concerns.

Council Leader, Cllr Mike Mackrory, said "Taken at its highest Stansted would be twice the size of Heathrow."

Noise projections indicated that much of the Chelmsford urban and rural area would be affected, he said.

"This is very much on our doorsteps. We all enjoy the benefits of Stansted, but it will impinge on our quality of life."

Board chairman, Cllr Graham Pooley, said he thought the suggestion of a new airport at Cliffe was a " complete red herring".

He added "Stansted already has approval to go up to 25 million passengers a year which is going to place a significant stress on the infra-structure, let alone land for housing.

"In terms of noise it has completely under-estimated the noise impact on Chelmsford, even at 25 million."

Conservative councillor Paul Hutchinson, said, "We all believe it is in the government's mind it is Stansted rather than Cliffe."

Labour councillor Bill Horslen added, "There are benefits and disbenefits in whatever option you look at. We should be ensuring the existing airports are working to full capacity and efficiency so that expansion can be justified. We should be seeking further information from the government."

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Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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