Coventry Airport has expressed its dismay to the news this morning of a negative outcome on the long awaited second Public Local Inquiry into its proposed development plans. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Secretary of State for Transport advised the West Midlands airport of its decision to refuse its application to build a new passenger terminal.
Whilst other airport expansion packages have been carefully scrutinised, and modified in some cases during the last two decades, this is the first time that a major expansion plan has been turned down. Birmingham Airport opposed the plans. It remains to be seen whether its own development strategy will have to be curtailed in the light of the Coventry situation. Other airport operators will monitor the position.
Coventry Airport managing director, Chris Orphanou, said: ”We are bitterly disappointed with this decision and because of the impact it will have on the region. Our legal team will now be considering the full implications of the news.”
He insists, however, that it will be business as usual at Coventry.
”Despite this setback, we believe our investment plans will only be delayed slightly. We still have capacity at our existing facility and most importantly, all our airlines remain confident with Coventry Airport. We have already invested more than £5 million as part of the improvement programme and we will continue to move forward with developing other aspects of the business, in particular our airline route network,” he said.
The airport development was supported by Coventry City Council but opposed by a small minority living within the airport catchment area and environmental lobby groups. Warwickshire County Council also opposed the plans.
Councillor John Hammon, portfolio holder for development, said: ”I am very pleased that the Government has finally resolved the issue of the impact of Coventry Airport on the local area. This Council has been faced with great difficulties in dealing with the airport”s ambitions for expansion, balancing the concerns of the local community against wider regional and national policy. In refusing the proposal for a terminal, this decision now provides the clarification the Council needs and acknowledges the concerns of the local community. It is a good decision and one I am sure will be welcomed by many.”
Thomsonfly operates flights to 13 popular European destinations from Coventry and Wizz Air will be commencing services to Katowice in Poland in July. More than 600,000 passengers used the airport last year.