Birmingham Airport expansion plan 'a huge vote of confidence'

Plans to expand Birmingham Airport have prompted a mixed reaction from residents and business leaders.

The airport has unveiled a £2bn plan which could more than double passenger numbers to 30 million and create more than 50,000 jobs, 3,800 of them on site.

While some people who live under flight paths near the airport have questioned the impact of future growth on local communities, business groups have welcomed the plans as a boost for the West Midlands.

Raj Kandola, deputy chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, told BBC Radio WM the plans were a "massive vote of confidence" for the region.

An eight-week public consultation will be held over the plans and chief executive Nick Barton said the scheme would aim to ensure the airport was "ready for the future" but needed a "fair and stable taxation environment".

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However, some families in the area are worried about how the proposed expansion will affect their quality of life.

Nicki Sweet, from Aldridge, said aircraft noise could be "constant" on some days.

"It can be quite intense. You can have one after another, all throughout the night," she said.

Sweet also questioned whether the airport should deal with existing issues before expanding further.

"Using the airport myself, we know there are issues with delays, getting through security, cancellations and baggage," she said.

"Maybe they need to sort them first without proceeding."

Hundreds of passengers were affected by issues with the airport's baggage system in August, with left many without their luggage.

Audrey Hurdman, from Erdington, said aircraft noise had become more noticeable in recent years despite living some distance from the airport.

"I've lived here for 50 years. It's never been this bad," she said.

"The jobs are a good thing, but are there going to be more planes late at night?"

West Bromwich resident Nigel Fearn uses the airport once a year and said the prospect of new jobs was welcome, but questioned whether the extra flights were needed, particularly with the impact of the extra emissions.

Not all residents are against the plans.

Leanne Bryan, vice chair of the Tile Cross residents neighbourhood forum, said she had lived on the flight patch for more than 35 years.

"I love living where I do," she said, adding that the airport cannot move, but "residents can".

"If they don't like it don't move there."

Balancing concerns about extra flights is the likely scale of investment and the number of jobs tied to it.

Kandola, said the ambition of the project was "something to behold".

"If you're getting more tourists into the region, more business and more investment, that can only be a good thing," he said.

Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, also welcomed the "ambitious masterplan" which he said would improve international links and unlock vital backing for local businesses and supply chains.

Airport chiefs said the "unprecedented" proposals set out a "clear commitment" to continue serving the region.

They added they wanted to make sure the growth was "delivered responsibly and sustainably" for the people living near the site.

The first stage of development could start in 2027, with investment in areas such as baggage and terminal facilities, additional aircraft stands and accessibility.

People can give feedback on the plans online, by post or attend any of the 20 events, which start in Hampton in Arden on 16 October.

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