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The Government has approved an increase in passenger numbers and flights at Stansted airport, much to the disgust of locals and environmentalists. In last week's written statement to Parliament, Geoff Hoon, the Transport Secretary, announced that permission had now been given for an extra 10 million passengers (increased from 25 million to 35 million) and 23,000 flights (up from 241,000 to 264,000) a year.

It is almost two years since the district council refused permission because of fears over noise and environmental concerns. Now a lengthy public enquiry following BAA’s appeal has resulted in the Government overturning the decision.

Stansted’s managing director has spoken of the benefits for passengers and local businesses but environmentalists are furious over the apparent hypocrisy of a government, which has given a commitment to tackling climate change. This came most recently at the Labour party conference when international aviation was mentioned as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which the party has pledged to reduce by 80% by 2050.

The Department of Transport has said that any impact on health caused by air pollution would be small and that any effects on nearby protected woodland would not be sufficient to justify upholding the appeal.

Uttlesford District Council has six weeks in which to lodge a further appeal. A spokesman has expressed his disappointment at the decision and spoken of the impact on the quality of life for local residents. The Government has meanwhile said that this decision in no way implies their support for a second runway.

On Oct 13th a group of anti-expansion protesters, some dressed as suffragettes to mark the anniversary of their rush on Parliament, tried unsuccessfully to gain entry to the Houses of Parliament.