London City Airport
In 2015 Alpha Planning was appointed by the London Borough of Newham to provide specialist aviation planning input. Working on behalf of the Council, looking into the appeal process following the Direction of the Mayor of London (then Boris Johnson) to the Council to refuse planning permission for development at London City Airport.
The proposed development included the provision of new aircraft stands, an extension to the taxiway into the royal docks, and extensions to the terminal building.
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Leading the team
Our role entailed co-ordinating the Council’s team from Planning, Environmental Health, Legal and other services, together with specialist consultants engaged by the Council in preparation for a three week public inquiry.
Prior to the close of the public inquiry it was essential to work closely with the airport operator and officers from the GLA to agree planning conditions and a legal agreement.
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Public Inquiry
Our responsibilities included preparing the Council’s Statement of Case, planning Proof of Evidence, reviewing and inputting into the proofs of evidence of other members of the team and appearing as an expert witness at the three week public inquiry.
In the lead up to the public inquiry, the airport submitted an updated environmental statement, which we reviewed and assessed.
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Successful approval
We were successful and the appeal was allowed, which vindicated the Council’s position in recommending approval of the development, whilst costs were awarded against the Mayor of London.
