The Solihull MBC Planning Sub-Committee today decided that it was “minded to approve” a 500 metre extension of the runway at Birmingham Airport.
However, before full approval is to be given, Section 106 Agreements (undertakings given by the applicants) have to be agreed that will constrain noise pollution and give concessions to protect the environment.
Overall, local businesses support the runway extension, which it is hoped will bring more jobs to the area, something that will be much needed in the present economic conditions.
However, there was a lot of opposition by local residents concerned about noise pollution, and environmental groups, who could not understand how this airport expansion could fit in with the Climate Change Act and the Government’s commitment to lower emissions.
I am not sure how this will affect the SME sector, most of whose business tends to be within the country. However, companies in the Midlands that trade internationally could well benefit, as would foreign companies that trade in the Midlands.
What do you think? Do you believe SMEs will benefit from the expansion?
Gary Cousins, Business Lawyer
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