National charity calls government's bluff at Stansted Airport Inquiry
[29 May 2007]
The national walking charity – the Ramblers’ Association (RA)
– will call the government’s bluff at the opening of the
Stansted Airport Inquiry (30 May, Endeavour House, Stansted
Airport)[1]. The government has pledged to reduce carbon
emissions yet it continues to invest in aviation, which is the
most polluting form of transport.
The RA feels that allowing this development will set a worrying
precedent for future blots on the landscape. The original
proposal was rejected by Uttlesford District Council and BAA’s
decision to push for an inquiry undermines faith in local
democracy as well as the government’s own report from Sir
Nicholas Stern on the cost of climate change.
The national walking charity is concerned that a successful
appeal will encourage other developers to push ahead with plans
for similar major infrastructure projects, including new roads
and power stations, across the country. Under proposals in the
government’s new Planning White Paper, these could be rammed
through in the face of local opposition, and at time when the
nation needs more green spaces for health and well-being.
Patrick Grady, countryside protection manger, at the RA said:
“Walking in the countryside has the potential to improve health
and wellbeing, and is a cheap and enjoyable form of exercise.
Airport expansion destroys the countryside, pollutes the air,
and makes the outdoors too noisy for people to enjoy and in turn
British tourists end up more familiar with foreign holiday
resorts than the beautiful countryside on their doorstep.”
Philip Greswell, RA Countryside Secretary, Hertfordshire said:
“This expansion will have a huge impact on the local people
here. The airport has a negative effect on walking opportunities
in the county already and this will only worsen. Footpaths will
be lost and the quality of walking will deteriorate
significantly which surely goes against the message from
government encouraging us to do our bit in the battle against
climate change. “