Stop Stansted Expansion facts for kids
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| Founded | 2002 |
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| Key people | Carol Barbone, Peter Sanders |
| Area served | UK |
| Focus | Anti-airport expansion |
| Method | Campaign Group |
| Members | 7,500 |
| Website | www.stopstanstedexpansion.com |
Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) is a group that works to protect the environment. It started in 2002. The group was formed because the UK government was thinking about making airports bigger. They were especially worried about plans to expand Stansted Airport.
SSE has about 7,500 members and supporters. Their main goal is to limit how much Stansted Airport can grow. They want to protect the quality of life for people in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk. They also work to save local history and the natural environment.
This group has already helped delay plans for a second runway at Stansted. These plans were pushed back by four years, from 2011 to 2015.
Contents
Why Airport Expansion is a Concern
If the airport grew bigger, it could cause more climate change. Right now, the airport produces about 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. If the current runway is used fully, this could go up to 12 million tonnes. With a second runway, it could reach 23 million tonnes a year. Carbon dioxide is a gas that traps heat and contributes to global warming.
On October 9, 2008, the UK Government allowed Stansted Airport to handle more passengers. The number went from 25 million to 35 million passengers per year. This was for the airport's existing runway. SSE thought this decision was unfair.
After this, on November 14, SSE took their concerns to the High Court.
Speaking Up Against Expansion
A big part of SSE's effort is to encourage people to write letters. These letters object to the idea of a second runway. The local council, Uttlesford District Council, has received over nine thousand letters. Many more letters are expected to come in.
Public Inquiry into Airport Plans
A "Public Inquiry" is a special meeting where plans are looked at very closely. The company that runs Stansted Airport, BAA, wanted this inquiry to be very quick. They hoped it would be done in six months. Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) did not agree with this fast pace. The inquiry started on April 15, 2009.
The government's Inspector, who leads the inquiry, wanted to move very quickly. This news came out before a meeting on November 10, 2008. At that meeting, they talked about how the inquiry would work. Another meeting was set for January 19, 2009.
SSE worried that running different parts of the inquiry at the same time would be unfair. They said it would make it hard for local communities to take part. Carol Barbone, SSE's campaign director, said it would be "impossible to conduct a fair and proper examination." This is because SSE and local councils planned to play a big role.
Groups Supporting Stop Stansted Expansion
Many other groups also support SSE's efforts. They work together to protect the environment and local communities.
- Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
- The Woodland Trust
- Friends of the Earth
- Greenpeace
- Aviation Environment Federation
- HACAN Clear Skies Heathrow
- Enough’senough
- Plane Stupid
- Ramblers' Association
- We Can
- World Development Movement
London Stansted Airport#Proposed developments
Images for kids
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Where Stansted Airport is now, around 1935.
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An Avro York plane taking off in 1955. It belonged to Air Charter Ltd, which was based at Stansted.
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The main airport building at night.
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A view of Stansted Airport from above.
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The Radisson Blu hotel, close to the airport building.
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The Terminal Building and the Control Tower next to it.
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This system moves people between the main building and other parts of the airport.
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The Stansted Express train at London Liverpool Street.
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