On 23 July 2002 the government unveiled proposals to build new airport runways in an attempt to cope with rising UK demand for air travel. And their decision is expected in December.
UK air passenger numbers are expected to more than double from 180 million a year to 400 million by 2020.
In our area, the proposals could lead to the expansion of existing airports or the construction of a new airport the size of Heathrow airport, between Coventry and Rugby.
This option would mean the destruction of two rural villages, Church Lawford and King's Newnham.
Press the images button below to see a map showing the site of the proposed airport and a map of the possible expansion of Coventry airport.
Below are extracts from the Department for Transport's document - The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation.
In addition we have provided information of how to get more details and how to have your say on the proposals.
听A new airport between Coventry and Rugby
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A section of the white paper most relevant to the new site proposal is summarised below.
This extract is taken from the summary consultation document for the Midlands from the Department for Transport's consultation document:
"A search of possible site locations in the Midlands was carried out, based on a wide range of selection criteria. This evaluation led to the selection of a single site which performed best in terms of noise, environmental considerations and commercial viability. Further study was then
carried out to determine the best configuration for a new multi-runway airport.
"The location taken forward is between Coventry and Rugby. It is bounded by the A45 to the South, the M6 to the North and the B4455 to the West. The Birmingham and Manchester branches of the West Coast Main Line railway (WCML) both run close to the site."
听Coventry airport expansion
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On the expansion of Coventry airport the consultation document states:
"If Birmingham airport was to remain a single runway airport and therefore reach its capacity sometime in the latter half of the forecasting period, Coventry airport could help to serve some of the demand (both passenger and freight).
"Other smaller sites within the region might also be able to play a similar role, notably Wolverhampton Business Airport and RAF Cosford.
"A detailed appraisal of options for expanding Coventry airport has not been carried out. However it is likely that the airport could serve the 'no frills' and charter markets ... The expansion of passenger or freight facilities would involve the airport spreading into surrounding land."
听We have just provided extracts here but the full consultation document can be seen on the Department of Transport's website. Follow the link on the left to access all the details available.
听The government has already said that doing nothing is not an option, so the only question which remains is where the extra planes will land.
To get invloved, follow the local action link on the left. That page outlines three key areas in which you could have your say during the consultation process:
Meetings
A series of public meetings were held across Coventry and Warwickshire so residents could voice their opinions on the proposals.
Website talkboards
You can still email us with your comments using the link on the left and see what other people have been saying in our talkboard.
Radio coverage
大象传媒 WM have had a number of special reports about the proposals and how they are affecting residents and businesses. Listen on 98.4, 104 and 103.7 FM for more details.
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