The expansion of Luton Airport has been approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
She said she has approved the airport’s expansion plan, which is for a new terminal rather than runway, despite the Planning Inspectorate recommending she reject it over environmental concerns.
The chancellor had been considering whether to expand the airport as a means to boost UK growth, following a similar decision to give the green light to a third runway at Heathrow at the beginning of the year.
It comes after Ms Alexander announced last month that she would support Gatwick Airport’s second runway plan if the project was adjusted.
Ms Alexander has previously said the UK “can and must” boost aviation at the same time as protecting the environment, denying that the two are fundamentally incompatible.
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