Transport expert backs Coventry airport expansion plans
28.01.06
Having millions of passengers flying via Coventry Airport will not cause problems with local transportation, according to an expert. Transport consultant Colin Townsley spoke on behalf of the airport on Wednesday at the inquiry into a proposed new terminal - and said he believes there are no reasons for refusing the application on grounds of inaccessibility.
Townsley explained to the planning inspector that Coventry airport proposes to improve public transport to and from the site in Baginton as well as provide adequate airport parking spaces for customers. He added: 'I feel [coventry airport is] fully compliant with all the relevant policies that a small airport is required to follow.'
The airport currently runs a bus service to and from Coventry bus and railway stations from 07:00 to 19:00 and there are plans to make them more frequent. But Townsley feels further improvements will not be made until the new terminal is given planning consent. Once the terminal is open there are also plans to run a bus service for Warwick and Leamington.
The application proposes to create 1675 airport parking spaces for every million passengers the airport handles each year. Birmingham Airport currently has 1881 spaces per million passengers per year - but Townsley believes it is difficult to compare the two businesses.
He said Birmingham had grown over the years and attracted more customers and Coventry is likely to do the same. The report said: 'Indeed the airport's proposed provision is more generous given that it has only very recently opened for substantive scheduled passenger operations.'
The planning inquiry is expected to last at least until April, after which a report will be sent to deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who will decide whether to grant permission for the 10,000 sq m terminal.
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