Stansted Airport expansion set to help Essex prosper

Stansted Airport expansion set to help Essex prosper

Essex County Council has welcomed news that Uttlesford District Council has granted planning permission to expand Stansted Airport.

This permission will allow up to 51 million passengers per annum. This is an increase of nearly eight million a year.

The announcement is transformative for Essex. The council recognises the role that London Stansted Airport plays in the Essex economy. It 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 announcement will:

• lead to the creation of 4,100 new jobs (£366 million GVA). In the short term it will generate a further 150 jobs during construction
• help an additional 7.2 million travellers use Stansted Airport
• generate an estimated £1.2 billion in UK GVA from 0.5 million extra business passengers
• provide major tourism benefits from additional international visitors. This will support over 15,000 jobs, £0.8 billion GVA and 2.2 million extra leisure trips for UK residents

The benefits for Essex and the wider region are considerable for both businesses and residents. These include:

• easier and wider access to markets for businesses
• increase the county’s attractiveness for increased 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

Councillor Lee Scott, 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.”