A bid by Stansted Airport to massively expand its terminal to improve passengers' experience has been approved.
In a decision on Tuesday, the Planning Inspectorate said a move to extend the airport’s terminal to provide more capacity would have “very significant economic benefits.”
The scheme will add a three-bay extension to the airport's terminal building for a bigger departures lounge, more shops and restaurants, more check-in desks, and a larger security hall with “next-generation” scanners.
The airport said it would create up to 5,000 new jobs.
In approving the extension, planning inspector Cullum Parker said the changes were sought to help increase the terminal’s capacity to serve the airport’s permitted limit of 43 million passengers a year.
Gareth Powell, the airport’s managing director, said it hoped the move would help attract more airlines to operate from the airport to a wider range of destinations.
“Stansted is now entering a new phase in its history, as we look to serve more passengers than ever before,” said Mr Powell.
“Our unique and growing route network, and easy access to and from London and the east of England, is a fantastic platform to build on.
“We know Stansted will have a critical role to play in serving the future capacity needs of London.”
Stansted served more than 26 million passengers in the last 12 months, and is the third largest airport serving London.
The proposals were backed by Essex County Council, which said it would be likely to “enhance the passenger experience” and “attract a greater diversity of air routes provided at London Stansted.”
In a submission, campaigners at Stansted Airport Watch said they did not object in principle to the expanded terminal building, provided conditions were met.
But fears were raised by Historic England and campaigners at The Twentieth Century Society, over the impact on the “iconic” original 1991 Norman Foster designed building.
However, in its decision, the Planning Inspectorate said any harm from expansion would be “minimal” and outweighed by the benefits.
