Overview

This bill amends the Planning Act 2008, requiring Parliament's approval for proposals to build new major airports or add runways to existing ones. This ensures greater parliamentary scrutiny of significant airport expansion projects.

Description

The Airport Expansion (Parliamentary Approval) Bill modifies the Planning Act 2008 in two key ways:

• National Policy Statements: It mandates parliamentary approval for any national policy statement relating to the construction of a new major airport or an additional runway at an existing major airport. This means the government cannot designate such a policy without a vote in both Houses of Parliament.
• Development Consent Orders: It necessitates parliamentary approval for any development consent order authorizing the construction of a new major airport or an additional runway at an existing major airport. Without this parliamentary approval, the order will be ineffective.

The definition of "major airport" is referenced to Section 23(2) of the Planning Act 2008, ensuring consistency in its application.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly involve government spending. However, requiring parliamentary approval for airport expansion projects could indirectly influence government spending by increasing the transparency and scrutiny of related infrastructure investments and potentially delaying or altering project plans.

Groups Affected

• Parliament: Parliament gains a significantly increased role in deciding on major airport expansion projects.
• Government: The government's ability to approve airport expansion projects will be restricted, requiring greater political consensus.
• Airport operators: Airport operators will face a more rigorous approval process for expansion plans, potentially leading to delays and increased costs.
• Local communities: Local communities near potential airport expansion sites will have a stronger voice in the decision-making process through their elected representatives in Parliament.
• Airlines: Airlines might experience delays in expansion plans, potentially affecting their operational capacity and profitability.
• Environmental groups: Environmental groups concerned about the environmental impact of airport expansion will have a greater opportunity to influence the decision.

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