Does Heathrow judgment spell doom for Luton Airport expansion plans?

The Court of Appeal overturned the secretary of state’s approval of Heathrow expansion as “unlawful” and said it contravened the government’s own pledge to tackle climate change.

Environmental charity Friends of the Earth stated: “This is a groundbreaking victory for climate justice and our children’s future.

“Business as usual is dead. No business will gain from destroying conditions for life on Earth.”

The case revealed that the government received incorrect legal advice that it should not consider the Paris Agreement – to keep the Earth’s temperature rise within two degrees this century – when approving a third runway.

The court ruled that ignoring the Paris Agreement was illegal.

The government has stated it will not challenge the ruling, although Heathrow Airport will appeal to the Supreme Court.

David Oakley-Hill, from the Luton branch of Friends of the Earth, stated: “Communities in UK and across the world are suffering the effects of climate breakdown.

“Airport expansion at Heathrow, Luton or anywhere else simply cannot go ahead if we’re to prevent further climate disaster.

“Stansted and Bristol have already voted not to expand.

“The decision has the implication of keeping climate change at the heart of all planning decisions.

“Three reports have shown Luton to be one of the most congested and worst polluted towns in the UK, with serious health effects caused by plane exhausts and the millions of vehicle journeys the airport generates.

“Developers and public authorities must be held to account for the climate and health impacts of their damaging projects.”

Graham Olver, chief strategy officer for the airport’s owner London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), said: “We are absolutely committed to supporting our owner Luton Council in its clearly stated ambitions for a net zero carbon Luton by 2040, and are already working ahead of the recent Heathrow court judgment to secure a future for London Luton Airport that prioritises environmental issues on an equal footing with positive economic and social impacts.

“We have conducted two consultations on our proposals for sustainable growth from 18 to 32 million passengers per year over the last 18 months, and have heard first-hand detailed concerns regarding the environmental impacts of airport expansion, and particularly climate change.

“We have been considering very closely and seriously the feedback we received during the autumn, as part of our preparations for a Development Consent Order application planned for later this year. We are working hard to ensure that our proposals are compatible with climate change commitments.”