HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011
January 2011
* Birchanger Burns Supper is a roaring success and raises £1600 for SSE
* SSE responds to the West Anglia Timetable Consultation calling for commuters not to be
given a worse deal than Stansted Express passengers
* BBC Politics Show reveals the extent of BAA’s neglect of property around Stansted,
including severe flooding at Woodgates End, Broxted
* New Stansted MD Nick Barton maintains house sell off strategy must remain secret
* Stansted flights hit ten year low in 2010 figures, while passenger numbers dropped
7 percent to 18.6m compared to 20m in 2009 and 24m in 2007
February 2011
* SSE briefs Parliamentarians on the scandalous blight caused by BAA's continued
ownership of c300 homes around Stansted, including 39 listed buildings
* SSE Parish and Town Council Liaison Group established
SSE responds to Competition Commission consultation on whether any material changes
in circumstances should influence decision that Stansted must be sold
* SSE responds to Future Airspace Strategy consultation which will set the context for a
future consultation on the Terminal Control North airspace arrangements, due 2014
* Supreme Court refuses BAA permission to appeal against CC's sell-off requirement
* SSE makes representations to DCLG National Planning Policy Framework Review
March 2011
* Competition Commission rejects BAA's latest attempt to cling onto Stansted with
provisional decision requiring sell-off
* BAA CEO states company's intention to hold onto G2 properties inside the G2 boundary
having gone through the 'tortuous process' of acquiring them - though Stansted's MD denies this
* Broxted Quiz held, raising nearly £1,200 for campaign funds
* Scoping paper launched by DfT into the shape of the forthcoming Aviation Policy
consultation
* SSE attends Parliamentary seminar 'Aviation in the 21st century: prospects for growth and
greater sustainability'
* SSE attends Conservative Spring Forum in Cardiff and meets the Prime Minister
* First SSE Parish and Town Council Liaison Group Meeting held
April 2011
* Fundraising book sale for SSE raises over £650
* Spanish owner Ferrovial at last admits that it plans to sell the Essex airport - but BAA
issues a statement to the media denying this
* SSE meets the Shadow Transport Minister in Westminster
* Duton Hill Quiz held, raising £150 for SSE
* NWEEHPA, SSE's parent body, continues to press on BAA's continued property
ownership at the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee
May 2011
* Duton Hill Mayday Funday held, nearing £500 raised for SSE funds
* Guidance issued to members and parish/town councils on responding to aviation policy
scoping consultation
* CAA's Future Airspace Strategy takes on board responses by SSE and many local parish
councils in its review of responses to the consultation
June 2011
* SSE makes representations to the EU Green Paper on VAT and the aviation industry
* SSE is finalist in Chartered Institute of Public Relations 'Best Public Affairs Campaign'
* SSE attends CAA regulatory review discussions for next quinquennium
* Lobbying for revision of two key EU noise directives commences
* SSE takes part in Hatfield Heath Festival
* SSE speaks at AirportWatch policy conference attended by Transport Minister
* SSE Parish and Town Council Liaison Group meeting held
* Tenth annual Runway Ramble takes place (Duton Hill to Thaxted)
* SSE responds to Air Passenger Duty consultation
* NWEEHPA, SSE's parent body, holds AGM
July 2011
* Fundraising book sale for SSE raises almost £800
* SSE participates in Westminster seminar on "Preparing for a new direction in UK aviation"
* NWEEHPA, SSE's parent body, continues to press on BAA's continued property
ownership at the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee
August 2011
* Government responds to Climate Change Committee's December 2009 Report on 'Reducing CO2 Emissions from UK Aviation' and publishes new air passenger forecasts
* SSE submits detailed response to Labour Party's Review of Transport Policy
* SSE runs information point and book stall at Countess of Warwick Country Show
September 2011
* SSE attends the SERA AGM where Labour's environment group reaffirms commitment to
no new runways in the South East
* SSE attends Liberal Democrat and Labour Party conferences, presenting and commenting
on aviation issues at fringe meetings and to politicians
* SSE takes part in the Hatfield Forest WoodFest organised by the National Trust
* 2012 Community Calendars go on sale
October 2011
* SSE submits comprehensive response to airports policy consultation after months of work
to develop this with the expert team of volunteers
* SSE attends Conservative party conference, playing an active role in aviation discussions
* SSE Campaign Office moves from Takeley to Molehill Green Village Hall
* Fundraising book sale for SSE raises over £700
* SSE serves a fundraising breakfast at the Takeley Farmers Market
* SSE wins PR Week Award for Best Public Affairs Campaign
* SSE's parent body continues to press on BAA's continued property ownership at the
Stansted Airport Consultative Committee
* NWEEHPA expresses concerns about National Planning Policy Framework in formal
response to the Government's consultation
November 2011
* Henham Quiz raises over £650 for SSE
* Regulatory Review meetings at the CAA, attended by SSE, demonstrate antipathy of
airlines towards Stansted's management
* SSE submits evidence to the Transport Committee on the Civil Aviation Bill
December 2011
* SSE invited to give oral evidence to the Transport Committee on the Civil Aviation Bill
* SSE leads delegation of airport community groups in a meeting with Transport Minister to
discuss concerns about Civil Aviation Bill
* Community Calendars sell out
* Website attracts 42,100 unique visitors during the course of the year and 819,700 hits
Top
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010
January 2010
* Political briefings held on rail issues in relation to the Stansted Express line depriving regular
commuters on the Cambridge line from access to new trains
* Birchanger Burns Supper raises £1,800 for SSE second runway fighting fund
* Figures for 2009 make a mockery of BAA claims that it urgently needs planning approval for a
second Stansted runway, revealing passenger numbers are at their lowest annual total for six years with an eight year low for aircraft movements
February 2010
* SSE gives support to Heathrow campaigners' High Court challenge and its own Court of Appeal case against expansion on the existing Stansted runway is cited on Day 1
* SSE attends Conservative Spring Forum to brief MPs, MEPs and Shadow Ministers
* Communities Secretary John Denham tells BAA to clarify its second runway application
intentions and requires updated information if it intends to proceed at public inquiry
* SSE initiates a new procedure with Uttlesford District Council and the airport for the reporting
and investigation of aircraft fuel smells and deposits, leading to further investigation on
refuelling emissions later in the year by a sub-group of the airport's consultative committee
* A modified departure flight path within the Clacton 22 Noise Preferential Route is successfully
trialled as part of moves to reduce noise in the Hallingburys, Hatfield Heath and Broad Oak
March 2010
* BAA admits that even after ownership issues are resolved with the Competition Commission,
it will still take 12-18 months to update the second runway application - meaning a potential
outcome wouldn't be known following public inquiry until 2015 or beyond
* SSE represented at Stansted Liberal Democrat dinner with Baroness Shirley Williams
* Broxted Quiz raises £880 for SSE fighting fund
* Historic High Court ruling on Heathrow says 2003 Air Transport White Paper is outdated and
needs to be rewritten to reflect climate change targets - with major implications for Stansted
* SSE attends Westminster seminar on Regulating Air Transport, with (Labour) Transport
Minister Paul Clark and other key industry figures
* SSE holds meeting with CAA and DfT to discuss environmental aspects of the CAA's
Regulatory Framework for Aviation consultation and submits written response
* Competition Commission releases BAA from interim undertakings requiring pursuit of second
runway plans at Stansted, meaning there is no longer any legal pressure to move forward
* BAA Stansted accounts filed at Companies House reveal that the airport operator has
mortgaged its entire assets including many local homes
* Pressure from SSE helps secure improved airport policy on handling noise complaints
* Competition Commission applies to the Court of Appeal against BAA's continued ownership
of Stansted following outcome of Competition Appeal Tribunal in late 2009
April 2010
* SSE mobilises to prevent planning application for airport property to be relaxed to allow nonairport
use which could potentially open floodgates for development at Stansted
* SSE's parent organisation, NWEEHPA, holds AGM
* SSE supports call by parliamentary candidates for local rail users to be given as much
consideration as airport passengers with a fairer deal on new train carriages order
* Duton Hill Quiz Night held in aid of SSE raises £1,000
* Labour election manifesto pledges no second runway at Stansted in the new parliament;
Conservative and Liberal Democrat manifestos follow suit in line with their confirmed position
Icelandic volcano erupts providing a week of peace for millions living near airports and
making people around Stansted more aware than ever of the 'normal' noise levels
* Noise Action Week used to remind community to report noise nuisance from Stansted aircraft
via the SSE website to ensure logging of disturbance - and help SSE press for action
May 2010
* Duton Hill Fun Day raises £1,600 for second runway fighting fund and other local causes
* Bookstall at Henham Fete raises £80 and provides opportunity to talk to hundreds
* Innovative floral display for SSE steals the show at the Elsenham Flower Festival
* General Election result sees Coalition Government formed between Conservatives and
Liberal Democrats - despite Ed Balls's offer to scrap Heathrow expansion in order to form a
coalition with the Liberal Democrats
* First announcement by the Coalition Government is to rescind policy support for new runways
at Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick, enshrined in the Coalition Agreement
* (24 May) BAA surrenders and withdraws its planning application and compulsory purchase
orders for the second runway planning application
* (25 May) SSE holds champagne celebration at the Three Horseshoes, Molehill Green, with
supporters from far and wide
* (26 May) SSE recommences work on securing a long term moratorium on additional runways
at Stansted to ensure the best policy framework for the future. SSE accepts invitation from the
CAA to participate in stakeholder workshops to consider changes to the economic regulation
of airports (ahead of new legislation due in 2011)
June 2010
* SSE calls on BAA to sell back homes and property acquired in connection with the second
runway plans and to give a long term pledge that no new runway plans will be brought
forward. Unsurprisingly, BAA refuses, blaming the previous government for all that happened
* SSE hold Westminster and Whitehall briefings to reflect change of administration
* SSE represented at Bishop's Stortford carnival and Hatfield Heath flower festival
* Competition Commission goes to the Court of Appeal at the High Court to appeal decision by
the Competition Appeals Tribunal to quash forced sale of Stansted Airport by BAA
July 2010
* SSE helps to organise noise meeting in Hatfield Heath to address aircraft noise issues arising
from departure procedures and Air Asia X flights affecting local villages
* BAA denies completion date of 2019/20 for Echo Taxiway which will trigger compensation
payments worth millions, stated in a letter of early June, claiming 2014/15 might be possible
* Sir Alan Haselhurst MP hosts 'Never Again' reception for SSE at the House of Commons to
reflect on the success of the campaign and highlight what remains to be done to secure a
long term moratorium on a new runway at Stansted. Attended by MPs from across the region
and Business Minister Mark Prisk MP
August 2010
* Pies, Puds and Plonk Sunday lunch in a Broxted country garden raises £2,600 for SSE
* New SSE Christmas card launched featuring Hatfield Forest
* Parish Councils start writing to the Transport Minister calling for action on housing blight
* Pedal power brought to the fore at Flitch Way Cycle Ride to highlight the need for the
community to rebuild after the threat of major expansion at Stansted
* SSE bookstall at Countess of Warwick Show raises £800 for SSE and for the Friends of the
Five Parishes - despite appalling weather
September 2010
* Birchanger villagers raise £700 for SSE’s fighting fund with a 'Race Night at the Proms'
* SSE attends Liberal Democrat and Labour Party Conferences to highlight need for long term
moratorium on Stansted expansion and the release of homes back to the community
* 9th annual Runway Ramble - the Hallingbury Hike - attracts community leaders and walkers
to highlight the blight across the region from overflying and BAA's refusal to sell back homes
* SSE represented at the Hatfield Forest Woodfest and Dunmow carnival
* Total donations from parish and town councils for the SSE financial year reach £20,000
* 2010 Community Calendar launched
* Ed Miliband elected as new Labour leader - a significant step forwards towards changing his
party's policy on airport expansion following his earlier statements of opposition to new runways in the south east
October 2010
* SSE attends Conservative Party Conference
* Court of Appeal rules in the Competition Commission's favour: BAA must sell Stansted and
either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports. BAA pledges to appeal to the Supreme Court - despite SSE calls for it to end the blight by accepting the decision
* NATS announces that its airspace change consultation, first initiated in 2008, won't be re-run
except as part of a nationwide review, and not for 2-3 years at the earliest. Immediate threat
to the region lifted and result linked to fierce campaigning by SSE and others
* SSE responds to Defra consultation on the Future Shape of the Countryside, stressing the
need to put a formal value on priceless rural assets
* SSE discusses Stansted expansion plans with Justice Minister Ken Clarke on visit to Felsted
* SSE website reaches 1 million hits by 42,000 unique visitors since start of 2010
* Stansted passengers now at 18.8m passengers per annum - down from 2007 peak of 24.1m - while aircraft movements are reduced to 146,795 (compared with 193,700 in October 2007)
* New trains ordered by National Express to be allocated to both the Stansted Express and
Cambridge commuter line, alleviating some (but not all) concerns over second class
treatment of local commuters at the expense of airport passengers
* Community pressure results in all Air Asia X flights being moved out of the eight hour night
period for the winter schedule that started end-October 2010, with the occasional departure
now just on the 11pm night period start time
November 2010
* SSE holds major second hand book sale in aid of the fighting fund, raising £890
* Calendar and Christmas card sales continue apace, enabling face-to-face contact with
thousands of people across the community and contributing to SSE funds
* Transport Minister Theresa Villiers briefed by SSE delegation and Sir Alan Haselhurst MP in
Westminster, agreeing to look into moratorium issue and BAA stranglehold on the ownership
of property in the community
* Continued pressure leads to airport drafting helicopter complaints procedure which will be
incorporated into the policy on handling noise complaints
* Proposal finally in preparation by airport for raising height limits for departing aircraft from
4,000ft to 6,000ft, initially on the Clacton 22 route, that will avoid holding down aircraft in the
initial climb phase and improve the noise climate
* SSE presses for continuous descent approaches for aircraft landing from the south west and
especially over Ware
* BAA Noise Action Plan still unpublished, more than a year after the consultation closed
December 2010
* Stansted Airport’s Managing Director leaves suddenly "by mutual agreement"
* SSE provides guidance to parish and town councils on responding to the CAA's Future Airspace Strategy consultation
* Aviation Minister Theresa Villiers delivers keynote address at 'A New Direction for Aviation Policy' conference, attended by SSE who note the Minister is irked by industry lobbying
Top
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2009
January 2009
* SSE reiterates concerns over Public Inquiry start date, seeking deferral on three grounds
* SSE has formal seat at second runway Programming Meeting; community turns out in force to call for Inquiry to be 'fair and thorough, not quick and dirty'; Inspector acknowledges fast-tracking unfeasible after pressure from SSE and other parties
* Government confirms policy support for a third Heathrow runway after major consultation; branded unfair by campaigners, community and environmentalists
* SSE makes its final (fourth) evidence submission to the Competition Commission endorsing the Commission's provisional conclusion that BAA should be forced to sell Stansted
* Birchanger Burns Supper raises £1,600 for SSE second runway fighting fund
February 2009
* SSE makes case at High Court against expansion permission on existing runway after raising £20,000 in specific donations from individuals, parishes and environmental groups
* Parishes of Takeley and Stansted Mountfitchet donate £10,000 and £5,000 respectively to SSE's second runway fighting fund
* NATS announces that its airspace change consultation is to be re-run after overwhelming community concern, scheduled for second half of 2009
* SSE responds to the House of Commons Transport Committee's Future of Aviation Inquiry
* BAA admits 2017 is earliest opening date for second runway if permission granted - contrasting with the Government's initial expectation of 2011-2012
* Conservative Leader David Cameron confirms in writing his party's opposition to second Stansted runway
March 2009
* High Court rejects SSE's appeal against the single runway expansion decision; SSE High Court costs exposure limited by Protective Costs Order
* SSE applies to Court of Appeal to overturn High Court ruling on single runway
* SSE writes to Secretary of State arguing that the second runway Public Inquiry should be postponed due to doubts about BAA's future ownership of Stansted and other uncertainties
* Secretary of State for Communities postpones second runway Inquiry until Competition Commission report published and ownership issues are resolved
* Competition Commission Market Inquiry into BAA monopoly published, requiring Stansted, Gatwick and Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports to be sold within two years
* Broxted Quiz raises £1,250 for second runway fighting fund
* SSE reveals incompatibilities between BAA's debt mountain and ability to legally see through Compulsory Purchase Order applications
* Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman Norman Baker visits SSE and his Leader, Nick Clegg, confirms in writing his party's opposition to a second Stansted runway
April 2009
* SSE highlights the impact of new figures issued in the Budget which mean second runway will not be needed until well after 2030 - despite BAA's protestations to the contrary. Government sticks to position of 'urgent capacity shortage in the south east' - taken as a face-saving reference to pressure on Heathrow facilities rather than Stansted
* SSE attends Conservative Party Spring Conference to reinforce opposition to second runway
* 'Showtime at the Civic' raises £5,000 for second runway fighting fund
* SSE's parent organisation, NWEEHPA, holds AGM
May 2009
* Duton Hill Fun Day and Quiz raise £1,400 for second runway fighting fund
* SSE publishes practical guide to reporting noise nuisance and sends it to 40,000 local residents with parish council and resident group support
* Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers visits Stansted to discuss economic issues with SSE and reaffirms second runway opposition
* SSE responds to Government consultation on the Noise Regulation Amendments
* SSE responds to Government consultation on the term "Carbon Neutral"
June 2009
* SSE responds to Government consultation on Reforming the Framework for the Economic Regulation of UK Airports, strongly supporting the need for an independent regulator
* SSE gives oral evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee's Future of Aviation Inquiry
* SSE asks Office of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of unfair trading practices at Stansted in relation to the treatment of local taxi firms and B&Bs/guest houses
* Court of Appeal permission hearing held, providing clarity on the meaning of the High Court ruling on expansion of existing runway, though SSE's right to appeal is refused
* SSE attends follow-up meeting with Shadow Transport Secretary in Westminster
* SSE objective updated to incorporate county of Cambridgeshire, more fully reflecting the membership profile
July 2009
* House of Commons Transport Committee asks SSE to provide further information on economics and forecasting issues for its Future of Aviation Inquiry
* SSE's 'Robin' 2009 Christmas Card launched
* Birchanger BBQ raises £1,700 for second runway fighting fund
August 2009
* SSE issues guidance on responding to BAA's draft Noise Action Plan consultation and alerts Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to major flaw in BAA's presentation of statistics
* SSE responds to Health Protection Agency consultation on Environmental Noise and Health
* SSE volunteers support highly successful open day held at Gardens of Easton Lodge whose restoration plans have been blighted by second runway proposals
* SSE bookstall at Countess of Warwick Show raises £1,100 for SSE and the Friends of the Five Parishes
September 2009
* SSE responds to rail industry consultation on Increased Capacity on West Anglia/Stansted Express services
* SSE makes formal representations opposing plans to expand Gatwick's north terminal and related facilities, calling for the application to be considered at a Public Inquiry
* SSE attends Labour Party Conference to highlight economic flaws of Stansted expansion
* SSE takes part in noise meeting in Hatfield Heath to address new, noisy, departure procedures and Air Asia X flights affecting local villages
* SSE responds to BAA's draft Noise Action Plan consultation, condemning its weakness in failing to propose meaningful measures to bear down on noise nuisance
* 8th annual runway ramble - the Heritage Hike - attracts 250 walkers and raises £3,000 in sponsorship and donations
* Total donations from parish and town councils for the SSE financial year reach £28,000
* 2010 Community Calendar launched
October 2009
* SSE attends Conservative Party Conference, briefing senior Shadow Ministers and advisers
* Shadow Aviation Minister Julian Brazier promises no new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted - if Conservatives are elected
* SSE discusses Stansted expansion plans with Shadow Chancellor George Osborne on visit to Great Hallingbury
* SSE attends the Competition Appeal Tribunal four day hearing of BAA's appeal against the ruling that three of its airports including Stansted must be sold
* BAA sale of Gatwick concluded for just £1.5bn - half the cost of developing a second runway at Stansted - during the Competition Appeal Tribunal
* Broxted Race Night raises £500 for second runway fighting fund
* SSE website reaches 1.7 million hits by 112,000 unique visitors in 12 months
* Stansted passengers now at 20.2 million passengers per annum (a fall of 16.5% since peak of 24m two years ago) and aircraft movements at 156,729 (a fall of 19.1% since 2007). Cargo flights have fallen to 1999 levels
December 2009
* SSE supporters join thousands in London for climate change march and rally - timed to
coincide with the Copenhagen Climate Summit which sadly fails to reach meaningful accord
* Government's Climate Change Committee publishes report on UK aviation requiring major
cuts in future air transport capacity because of carbon emissions from aircraft
* House of Commons Transport Committee Report concludes that the economic case for a
second Stansted runway has not been made, questioning the need for it and vindicating SSE's economic arguments in the process
* Pre Budget Report makes no change from Air Passenger Duty to Per Plane Duty plans - long
proposed by SSE - much to the discontent of the aviation industry
* 50 SSE volunteers and 30 shops raise £38,000 for SSE from sales of the Community
Calendar, Christmas cards and notelets
* Competition Appeal Tribunal upholds BAA appeal against sale of Stansted in ongoing saga
Top
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2008
November 2008
* SSE exposes plan to fast-track the second runway Public Inquiry process, telescoping it to six months with parallel sessions, compromising proper community representation
* SSE has formal seat at the second runway Pre-Inquiry Meeting attended by 400 people
* After consulting with members and environmental organisations, SSE lodges High Court challenge to the granting of permission to expand existing runway capacity
* SSE responds to Government consultation on the Guidance for Airport Operators to Produce Action Plans under the terms of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006
* SSE preparation for second runway Public Inquiry continues, including attendance at Topic Working Groups with other Inquiry parties, continuing to Summer 2009
December 2008
* SSE writes to Secretary of State identifying fundamental shortcomings in BAA's Economic Impact Report for the second runway project
* SSE supporters join thousands in London for climate change march and rally
* Planning Inspectorate team visits SSE to discuss concerns over fairness and transparency relating to second runway Public Inquiry format
* 50 SSE volunteers and 30 shops raise £43,000 for SSE from sales of the Community Calendar, Christmas cards and notelets
* Plane Stupid pressure group closes Stansted Airport in protest at climate impacts
* Competition Commission issues provisional findings of Market Inquiry into BAA, indicating it expects Stansted, Gatwick and either Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports will have to be sold
* SSE delivers 300 page Statement of Case to Public Inquiry Inspector
Top
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2007
January 2007
* SSE commissions expert witnesses for Public Inquiry battle into proposals for expansion on Stansted's single runway
* BAA announces second runway proposals, claiming them to be 'greener and cheaper'
* Preparation for biennial SSE Community Conference
February 2007
* SSE Community Conference held for 200 opinion formers, themed 'Think Global Act Local'
* SSE responds to CAA Airports Price Control Review
* SSE presses Chancellor to address Air Passenger Duty loopholes for business travellers
* BAA announces surface access proposals for an expanded Stansted but concentrates on road development rather than rail despite Government policy emphasis on public transport
* SSE responds to Government's proposed changes to Draft East of England Plan
* SSE Public Inquiry preparations continue
March 2007
* SSE takes part in the Pre-Inquiry Meeting for the Public Inquiry
* Henham Jumble Sale and Broxted Quiz raise £2600 for SSE Public Inquiry Appeal Fund
* Draft Climate Change Bill published but ignores aviation's contribution
* Invoice for £145m delivered to BAA to highlight the real environmental cost of its climate change contribution at Stansted for the first quarter of 2007
* SSE meets Conservative and Liberal Democrat Environment and Transport spokesmen in Stansted who confirm their parties' opposition to a second Stansted runway
* SSE attends Conservative Party Spring Forum to speak about emerging aviation policy
* BAA attempts to limit Public Inquiry scope with temporary cap of 'about 35mppa'
April 2007
* SSE successfully presses Inspector to include the climate change impacts of aviation in the Public Inquiry's terms of reference
* Barn Dance, Posh Frocks Sale and Duton Hill Quiz raise £2400 for Public Inquiry Appeal Fund
* SSE Response Team finalises proofs of evidence for submission to Public Inquiry
* 42nd AGM held by SSE parent body, North West Essex & East Herts Preservation Association
* SSE responds to DfT consultation on proposed de-designation of Stansted Airport ? opposing the proposed removal of price caps on grounds of prematurity
May 2007
* Public Inquiry starts, drawing substantial media coverage of SSE?s position including plea for action to curb the growth in air travel as cover story of the Independent newspaper
* Counsel's opinion sought on validity of Highways Agency/BAA M11 consultation leading to an exchange of letters with the Secretary of State for Transport and BAA
* SSE submission made to Competition Commission towards the investigation into BAA monopoly
* Duton Hill Funday raises £700 for Inquiry Appeal Fund
June 2007
* SSE responds formally to Highways Agency/BAA M11 consultation, highlighting flaws
* Flitch Way cycle rides held for SSE attract over 200 participants
* Uttlesford DC and BAA give evidence at Public Inquiry, well-attended by SSE supporters
* SSE cross-examines BAA witnesses at Public Inquiry, exposing numerous inconsistencies in evidence
July 2007
* SSE Patron Terry Waite CBE visits Broxted for the Picnic in the SSE Wood
* SSE responds to BAA Rail Consultation
* Gaston House auction raises £33,000 for Public Inquiry Appeal Fund, meeting £120,000 target
* Aqqaluk Lynge, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, gives evidence against expansion at Public Inquiry and presents to Parliamentarians in the House of Commons
* 16 members of the SSE Response Team and external experts give Public Inquiry evidence
* SSE Christmas Cards for 2007 go on sale
August 2007
* Investigative journalist Andrew Gilligan exposes fake pro-expansion letters to local papers
* 2000 job cuts across BAA reported by national press as company 'streamlines' operations
* SSE submits formal response to Government's Planning White Paper consultation
* Competition Commission confirms intention to consider break up of BAA monopoly
* SSE's Polar Bears Picnic at the Gardens of Easton Lodge highlights climate change threat
* SSE delegation makes presentation at Heathrow Climate Camp for community solidarity
September 2007
* Public Inquiry resumes with individual, association and parish representations, including community sessions in Sudbury and Ware
* Road and rail issues examined by major parties, including SSE, at the Public Inquiry
* Will Self leads 6th annual SSE Runway Ramble in National Trust owned Hatfield Forest ? the 75th major public event to be organised by SSE since 2002
* SSE campaign boards exhort 'Support the British Economy ? Stop Stansted Expansion' to reinforce economic arguments against Stansted proposals
* BAA appoints new chairman to try to reverse reputation problems and key staff departures
* Pro-expansion lobby group launched by aviation industry to 'redress the publicity balance'
* Sir Alan Haselhurst MP gives evidence against expansion to the Public Inquiry, picketed by airport workers paid by BAA to attend as revealed by The Times
* 2008 Community Calendar launched
October 2007
* SSE website achieves 2.8 million hits by 77,000 unique visitors in the previous 12 months
* Public Inquiry ends with Closing Submissions ? decision due Spring 2008
* SSE responds to DfT Airport De-designation consultation
* Little Easton Sunday Lunch with Lord Hanningfield raises almost £1400 for the campaign
November 2007
* SSE responds to Highway Agency M11 consultation (reissued in the wake of representations by SSE) and DfT's Emissions Cost Assessment consultation
* SSE submission made to Transport Committee Inquiry into the Future of BAA
* SSE launches Second Runway Fighting Fund Appeal to Members
* Stansted Quiz raises £1200 for Fighting Fund Appeal
* Heathrow consultation launched into "mixed mode" and third runway as Secretary of State lets slip (and then retracts) view that securing even one extra runway in the South East is ambitious
* Office of National Statistics announce record hole in UK trade balance from rapid growth in cheap leisure flights at £19bn net deficit for 2006
December 2007
* SSE members join Campaign Against Climate Change March in London
* Community Calendars and Christmas Cards sold by 80 volunteers and shops raise £33,000
* SSE makes formal comment on Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government's proposed changes to the East of England Plan
* Stansted passenger numbers show substantial slowdown in growth to just a 1% increase over the past year compared with annual growth of 15%-20% experienced in previous years
* BAA delays submission of second Stansted runway application yet again while telling investors that the application is 'an option' not 'a commitment' to build, further blighting the community
* SSE highlights the financial pressures on BAA arising from the debt mountain taken on to fund Ferrovial's acquisition and the failure to refinance in an increasingly difficult banking climate
* Uttlesford District Councillors renew their pledge of opposition to further runways at Stansted
* Inspector Boyland due to submit single runway Public Inquiry report in confidence to Government for a decision and announcement in 2008
Top
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2006
November 2006
* Uttlesford District Council turns down BAA application for expansion on existing runway
* BAA lodges an Appeal against the Uttlesford refusal
* SSE members join 20,000-strong National Climate March and Rally
* SSE targets FTSE 100 Chairmen on policies on air travel and climate change commitment
* SSE publicises CAA figures showing the average Stansted passenger's income is £51,500
* Passengers travelling by rail to Stansted drop by 5% while road passengers rise 6%
* Balance of Trade deficit from air travel worsens to £19bn compared to £2bn ten years before
* Stansted Quiz raises £1000 for SSE fighting fund
* BAA blights Christmas with third delay in announcing second runway siting consultation results
December 2006
* SSE evidence preparation begins for Public Inquiry
* SSE launches Public Inquiry Appeal Fund - £10,000 pledged in the first week
* Community Calendars and Christmas Cards sold by 80 volunteers and shops raise £35,000
* Chancellor doubles Air Passenger Duty in Autumn Budget
* Author and columnist Will Self tours threatened Stansted woodland with SSE
* Air Transport White Paper Review hints at policy shift with Stansted expansion described as 'a matter for developers' rather than a matter for the Government
* SSE takes part in Civil Aviation Authority discussions on Airports' Price Review
* OFT announces decision to refer BAA to Competition Commission for monopoly investigation
* SSE briefs Conservative and Liberal Democrat spokesmen on EU Emissions Trading Scheme
* SSE responds to London Mayor on airport expansion matters within Draft London Plan
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2005
January 2005
* 200 community leaders, MPs, MEPs and supporters attend SSE Conference
* 25,000 SSE Yellow 'Fact & Fiction' Cards launched by six local MPs and MEPs
* Parliamentarians briefed by SSE on surface access issues relating to Stansted
* 7000th Community Calendar 2005 sold in aid of SSE bringing total raised to £20,000
* SSE Shareholder Resolution accepted by BAA for 2005 AGM
February 2005
* High Court rules Government acted unlawfully in specifying second runway siting
* 40 leading bankers and analysts attend SSE City Briefing on Stansted commercial viability
* SSE highlights heritage plight at Gardens of Easton Lodge and raises £400
* SSE guides members on supporting EU action on Night Flights ban
* Hertfordshire County Council briefed by SSE on surface access issues relating to Stansted
* Broxted Quiz Night raises £1000
March 2005
* SSE holds major public meeting at Mountfitchet High School attended by 300+ people
* Lord Braybrooke and Sir Alan Haselhurst MP host fundraising appeal
* SSE issues guidance to 200+ councils and responds to EERA's draft East of England plan
* South Suffolk Air Transport Action Group representative joins SSE Executive
* Conservative Party aviation policy reflects cross subsidy and blight compensation concerns
* Henham Quiz Night raises £1000
April 2005
* Pre-election briefings held for Parliamentary candidates on Stansted expansion
* Critique of BAA environmental impact assessment plans sent to Uttlesford DC
* Guidance and response provided to EU Consultation on climate change/aviation
* SSE issues response to Department for Transport's M11 Corridor Expansion consultation
* Meeting held between SSE and National Trust policy unit
* SSE Rail Working Group established
* London Marathon completed by SSE Officer Manager Ian Hobson, raising £1200
* Bling and Bags Sale in Saffron Walden raises £1700
* Takeley Quiz Night raises £950
May 2005
* SSE issues council guidance and responds to Environmental Noise Directive consultation
* 300 major investors, 150 shareholders and media briefed on SSE resolution for BAA AGM
* SSE representatives attend BAA Air Quality Seminar
* SSE presentation to EERA on Stansted transport issues
* SSE Ball at Blake Hall Ongar raises £5000
* Barn Dance at Pledgdon Green raises £1100
* Thorley Quiz raises £200
* Hatfield Broad Oak 10km runners raise £1700
June 2005
* SSE meets BAA's Health Impact Assessment consultants to express concerns on remit/scope
* SSE Noise team begins work on comprehensive response to Night Flight Consultation
* MPs and Peers briefed by SSE on Civil Aviation Bill and other issues
* Norman Mead, Deputy Chairman, awarded MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours
* SSE responds to Essex Local Transport Plan highlighting airport-related issues
* SSE attends preliminary meeting for Examination of draft East of England Plan
* SSE holds formal talks with Uttlesford District Council on expansion expectations
* BAA admits it cannot meet government target date for a second Stansted runway
* SSE attends seminars on implementing the White Paper and on health impacts
* Candour of BAA Directors questioned over SSE shareholder resolution
* 1000 people join SSE Runway Ramble and Grand Summer Fete, raising £5,000
July 2005
* SSE shareholder resolution/Stansted expansion viability dominate questions at BAA's AGM
* Mark Prisk MP demands independent airport watchdog to monitor BAA
* SSE exposes BAA plans to play down second runway impacts in leaked environmental report
* BAA tries to claim that doubling current passenger capacity will have little or no impact
* BAA's draft interim master plan slated for hiding the true scale of BAA's plans
August 2005
* SSE reveals that cost of airport related housing blight now exceeds £600 million
* Guidance on DfT Night Flying Restrictions consultation issued by SSE to 200+ councils
* SSE analysis for air tourism report highlights £15bn balance of payments deficit in 2004
* Briefing conducted by SSE for Shadow Aviation Minister, Julian Brazier MP
* SSE writes to BAA on inadequate masterplan/increased capacity consultation
* SSE participates in Countess of Warwick Show
* SSE issues guidance to the community and MPs/councils on BAA plans for existing runway
* Teddy Bears Picnic at the Gardens of Easton Lodge raises £750
* SSE members William and Rob Chastell cycle 106 miles in ten hours to raise £350
September 2005
* SSE responds formally to the Government's Night Flying Restrictions consultation
* 200+ councils briefed by SSE on airport related health issues
* SSE wins prize for best non-commercial float at Dunmow Carnival
* Representatives from SSE make presence felt at Labour Party Conference
* Launch of Community Calendar 2006 and Christmas cards
* Tim Yeo MP and SSE speak at South Suffolk Air Traffic Action Group meeting
* SSE makes written submissions to Panel examining draft East of England Plan
* Stansted Quiz raises £800
* Little Easton Auction of Promises raises £3350 for SSE
October 2005
* Night flights rally in Westminster attracts dozens of MPs and 400+ people affected by airport operations at Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow
* SSE makes presentation to Uttlesford District Council's Stansted Airport Advisory Panel
* MPs updated and Peers briefed by SSE on Civil Aviation Bill
* Liberal Democrat Transport Spokeman, Tom Brake MP, briefed by SSE
* Hertfordshire Wheelers organise three cycle rides highlighting expansion threat
* Broxted Supper and Race Night raises £550
November 2005
* SSE participates in the Examination in Public of the draft East of England Plan
* SSE meeting with Department of Health officials responsible for public health planning
* Quality of SSE briefing praised in the House of Lords during Civil Aviation Bill second reading
* Sir Alan Haselhurst MP leads SSE meeting with Aviation Minister Karen Buck MP
December 2005
* SSE again provides oral evidence at the draft East of England Plan Examination
* City, industry and community unite to condemn BAA plans for the "runway that nobody wants"
* High Court hears Takeley Parish Council's request for judicial review of BAA HOSS scheme
* Burton End mobilises to address newly proposed land grab for BAA car parking
* SSE website receives 150,000 different visitors and two million hits in 12 months
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004
January 2004
* SSE publishes White Paper summary and commentary
* SSE challenges BAA to let battle commence at Stansted meeting attended by 700+ people
* SSE Community Calendar sales completed by 50 volunteers and 30 retailers, raising £20,000
* SSE begins preparations for Judicial Review challenge and building a consortium to share costs
* SSE initiates schools' briefings to ensure balanced debate within curriculum studies
February 2004
* SSE Update leaflet distributed to 140,000 homes
* SSE supporters join other airport communities for 'sleep in' protest at DfT Noise Conference
* SSE makes presentations at 8 public meetings, including a special meeting for Broxted/Takeley
* SSE begins City analyst briefings addressing lack of commercial justification for expansion
* 'Snowdrops' fundraising event at the Gardens of Easton Lodge raises £500 for SSE
March 2004
* SSE's Judicial Review claim submitted in partnership with Heathrow and Luton communities
* SSE reveals extent of BAA land grab as large as the area bordered by London's Circle Line
* SSE Planning & Response Committee formed (expert representation on health and environment)
* BAA's Chief Executive admits to City: "no second runway without a business case"
* SSE briefs 1100 'key opinion formers' on the financing of Stansted Airport
* SSE issues guidance to parish and other councils on BAA's HOSS consultation
* SSE lobbies on Planning & Compulsory Puchase Bill, leading to important amendments
* SSE makes presentations at 27 public meetings including joint platform with BAA at Harlow
* Broxted Quiz and Duton Hill Quiz Nights raise £700 and £250 for SSE respectively
April 2004
* SSE wins Parliamentary award for Best Community Campaign
* SSE makes presentations at 22 public meetings
* BAA Plane Talk propaganda sheet condemned by politicians and community leaders
* SSE issues Special House Prices Report to 20,000 homeowners
* SSE newssheet 'The Stun' reveals noise impacts using BAA's own radar maps
* SSE attends Royal Aeronautical Society Conference on airport expansion and the environment
* Little Easton Antiques Roadshow raises £900 for SSE
May 2004
* SSE makes presentations at 18 public meetings
* SSE's shareholder resolution forced upon BAA for AGM agenda in July
* SSE/NWEEHPA respond to Passenger Air Transport Movements consultation proposals
* Henham Quiz Walk and Stansted Quiz Night raise £400 and £450 respectively for SSE
June 2004
* High Court allows SSE's Judicial Review claim against the White Paper
* Terry Waite plants inaugural tree at the SSE Woods, Broxted Hill Farm
* SSE holds cross-party MPs briefing at the House of Commons
* SSE parent organisation NWEEHPA AGM held
* Meetings commence to oppose inclusion of second runway in EERA's regional spatial strategy
* Hatfield Broad Oak Jumble Sale raises £250 for SSE
* Vanishing Villages at Broxted Open Gardens attracts 1000 people and raises £4000 for SSE
July 2004
* Peter Sanders appointed new SSE Chairman, Norman Mead becomes Deputy Chairman
* SSE speaks at the BAA AGM on shareholder authorisation of political donations
* BAA MORI poll bias exposed by SSE, leading to industry watchdog investigation
* SSE prepares detailed opinion on BAA's scoping studies for Environmental Impact Assessment
* Saffron Walden Car Boot Sale raises £250 for SSE
August 2004
* Second anniversary of SSE's establishment
* 360' panoramic views installed on SSE website showing threatened homes and countryside
* The Lancet publishes comment on unhealthy airports by SSE Health Working Group Chairman
* SSE takes part in the Countess of Warwick Show and National Trust Hatfield Forest event
September 2004
* BAA rescinds free parking for MPs, MEPs and Peers following SSE's campaigning
* SSE Surface Access Strategy published examining implications for full use of existing runway
* SSE condemns BAA's response on compensation and opens discussions with government
* SSE speaks at Commercial Aviation Sustainability Strategy conference in London
* SSE Update leaflet distributed to homes across Uttlesford and East Herts
* SSE publishes guidance for parish council input into government's Night Flights Consultation
* SSE attends Labour Party Conference and meets Ministers, Peers, MPs and special advisers
* SSE Runway Ramble attracts 1000 people and raises £10,000 for SSE legal fund
* Manuden Champagne Supper Auction raises £8,000 for SSE legal fund
October 2004
* SSE attends Conservative Party Conference and meets Parliamentarians and special advisers
* SSE holds public meeting for Sudbury residents about increasing overflying and noise impacts
* BAA admits it won't make a decision on the business case for a second runway until Nov 2008
* Over 60 SSE volunteers and 30 shops begin selling Community Calendar and Christmas cards
* SSE publishes analysis of CAA Stansted statistics showing declining share of business travel
November 2004
* Mass tree planting of the SSE Wood with 500 of the 1100 sponsored trees at Broxted Hill Farm
* SSE supports Takeley Parish Council in planning legal action on compensation for blight
* Red Letter Day held in five locations and Blight Dossier appeal launched
* SSE Noise Working Group Chair addresses pan-European airport conference
* Barn Dance and Tilty Cheese and Wine Evening raise £2,600 and £500 for SSE
December 2004
* SSE and partners begin Judicial Review of the Air Transport White Paper in the High Court
* SSE members total 6000 individuals and over 100 parishes, societies and special interest groups
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HIGHLIGHTS OF 2003
December 2003
* Government publishes Air Transport White Paper (16th)
* CAA reaffirms continued opposition to cross subsidy of Stansted for new investment (17th)
* SSE supporters scoop media interest at BAA press conference on the White Paper (18th)
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