A public inquiry into Uttlesford District Council's decision to block expansion of Stansted Airport has started. Airport owner Manchester Airports Group hopes to overturn the council's decision. The airport's application to increase passenger numbers from 35M to 43M a year was rejected by the council's planning committee in January 2020. The airport's expansion plan involves building a new arrivals building, a 3,000 space car park and upgrading the baggage handling system. The application replaces plans originally tabled in 2016. Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca gave evidence supporting expansion during an early evidence session. It said the airport could be a European travel hub for scientists. Environmentalists have opposed the plans claiming that expansion is incompatible with UK emissions targets.
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