Sadiq Khan's help for London City Airport expansion ‘breaks green pledge’

Expansion hopes: London City Airport
Pippa Crerar11 May 2016

Green campaigners today claimed Sadiq Khan has already broken his pledge to be London’s “greenest ever” mayor, after he removed a key obstacle to the expansion of City Airport.

He withdrew Boris Johnson’s objection to the airport buying public land it needs to expand. Its £300 million plan, featuring a bigger terminal and new aircraft taxi lane, would allow a 40 per cent increase in flights.

Planning permission is still required and the Planning Inspector will send a report to the Government for a decision.

Sadiq Khan has faced criticism over the move
Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Many locals oppose the plan because of noise concerns, and a separate City Hall objection on noise is still in place.

Green Assembly member Sian Berry, who stood against Mr Khan in the election, said: “This is a terrible start for the Mayor, putting paid to his pledge to be the greenest mayor London’s had.”

His spokeswoman said: “The Mayor decided to withdraw the objection following new evidence submitted by City Airport and ongoing negotiations. The Mayor continues to support the case for improved noise mitigation.”

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