There is now widespread support for plans to expand Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport (JLA), after the majority of those who took part in the consultation indicated they were happy to support the project.
The Draft Airport Master Plan was consulted for ten weeks between July and September and respondents were asked to reflect on proposals to allow the Airport to handle 12 million passengers a year by 2030.
Local authorities, businesses, environmental groups and members of the public were all questioned on the plans and JLA officials have stressed that they received a comprehensive response.
According to the local authorities surrounding the airport, expansion plans represent a positive move for the area as long as environmental concerns are not ignored.
Members of the public are also keen on the proposals, with 66 per cent supportive of the airport’s desire to “re-position itself on the world stage”. Nearly 70 per cent recognised that there would be major economic benefits for South Liverpool and Merseyside, through job creation and tourism, and 60 per cent lent their support to the idea of extending the runway to increase the range of destinations and services.
There are clearly still concerns from the general public that environmental issues have not been addressed, however, with just 43 per cent saying they agree with the measures proposed by the airport so far. JLA is now analysing the responses in detail and will ultimately submit its Master Plan to the government.
Peter Nears, strategic planning director for the airport’s owner, said: “There have been no real surprises from the feedback, with the majority recognising the positive benefits that a successful, expanding airport brings to a region.”
He was also keen to stress that JLA managers will pay close attention to the environmental impact of the expansion, after many members of the general public highlighted this as a major concern. Airport expansion “naturally impacts on the environment”, he said, adding that officials would seek ways to minimise any damage as they finalise their proposals.
The Master Plan was proposed to cater for dramatic growth levels at the airport, after passenger numbers increased from 875,000 in 1998 to approximately 4.9 million this year. Airlines currently operating at JLA include easyJet, Flybe, Flyglobespan, Thomsonfly, Ryanair, VLM Airlines and Wizz Air.
