Stansted Airport expansion to boost Essex economy

Stansted Airport expansion to boost Essex economy

Planning permission has been granted by Uttlesford District Council to expand Stansted Airport. This permission will allow up to 51 million passengers a year to use the airport, an increase of nearly 8 million.

Essex County Council has welcomed the news as “transformative” for Essex, recognising the role that London Stansted Airport plays in the county’s economy. The airport is a vital economic catalyst and a channel for foreign investment, tourism and trade. The airport is also the largest single site employer in the East.

The expansion will:

• lead to the creation of 4,100 new jobs – and a further 150 jobs during constructions
• Help an additional 7.2 million travellers use the airport
• generate an estimated £1.2 billion in UK GVA from an estimated 0.5 million extra business passengers
• provide major tourism benefits and additional visitors, supporting 15,000 jobs, £0.8 billion GVA and 2.2 extra leisure trips for UK residents

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “The expansion of the airport will help our economy thrive. It will deliver jobs, boost businesses and support investment into the region. By providing adequate infrastructure, housing growth in our county will also be supported.

“This is welcome news and we look forward to working closely with the Manchester Airport Group as delivery progresses.”

There will also be considerable benefits for Essex and the wider region, including:

• easier and wider access to markets for businesses
• increase the county’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment
• lead to the transfer of knowledge, skills, technology and increased productivity
• increase destination options, supporting the tourism industry in Essex and offering more travel opportunities