The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [1] reacted with dismay to the failure this morning (Friday) of the High Court legal challenge to block expansion at Stansted Airport.

The Government’s decision in principle to approve Heathrow’s third runway was described as ‘driving a coach and horses’ through London’s green plans [2].  However, today’s failure of the appeal against Stansted expansion goes much further as it sets a precedent.

CPRE had provided financial support to the challenge because of the important legal principles it raised about protection of the countryside.  The legal action challenged three aspects of the Government’s planning decision, which were that:

• the increase in noise and damage to tranquillity from extra flights had to be ignored in order to carry out Government policy to increase flying;
  
• extra flights could be approved without any consideration of the impact on climate change;
  
• the economic impact on the UK could be disregarded.  This has a particular impact on rural areas as domestic tourism provides a financial lifeline.

Ralph Smyth, CPRE’s Senior Transport Campaigner said:

‘Today’s decision flies a jumbo jet through commitments to reduce noise and greenhouse gas emissions.  The Government can’t keep on relying on its outdated aviation policy [3], which is damaging countryside, the climate and the economy.  The recent drop in passenger numbers travelling by air provides a perfect opportunity for an urgent rethink.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2. The Mayor of London warned in December 2008 that a third runway at Heathrow airport would ‘drive a coach and horses’ through his plans to reduce London's carbon emissions by 60% by 2025. (www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/dec/16/boris-johnson-heathrow, accessed on 13 March 2009)

3.  The Air Transport White Paper of 2003 sets out Government policy and is the yardstick by which aviation expansion decisions are judged.  Find out more at: www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/transport/airport-expansion/airport-expansion-what-is-the-problem