TGLP welcomes Newham decision

Published by Leon P for Verve Communications in Communities and also in Central Government, Education, Housing

Thames Gateway London Partnership (TGLP) welcomed Newham Council's Development Control Committee confirmation of the planning application that will see an increase in the number of flights at Silvertown's London City Airport.

A decision to approve the application was first made last October, but the council decided to look again at the proposal following representations from Friends of the Earth.

A council spokesperson said:

"As the planning authority, we have decided to approve the application by London City Airport, but subject to conditions set out under a stringent new Section 106 agreement…This decision will pump an additional £26 million into the local economy, create new jobs for local residents, boost tourism in the area and also create the potential for further investment in local infrastructure… We have disallowed the application to increase early morning movements. Instead, we propose this to be reduced to six flights with tighter controls in the first 15 minute period. We have also ensured that the restrictions on the airport's night time and weekend operation are maintained…The expansion of the airport will also lead to the creation of a new council officer post, funded by the airport, to monitor the activities of the London City Airport and ensure the development remains within the guidelines approved by council.”

Ros Dunn, Chief Executive, Thames Gateway London Partnership said:

"London City Airport is the largest private sector employment site in the London Borough of Newham with almost 2,000 jobs across the 50 companies located on site at the airport and this guarantees more jobs at a crucial time. This is good news for borough residents and also for the London Thames Gateway as a whole. The Thames Gateway is critical to keeping London going and growing, because it is the only part of the capital able to sustain the scale of growth in jobs and housing required."

For more information call Leon Panitzke on 020 7017 2011