Press Release - 10 August 2006

A detailed analysis of BAA's health impact assessment (HIA) in support of its application for maximum use of the single runway at Stansted has shown it to be so worthless that SSE has called on Uttlesford District Council (UDC) to commission a fresh and truly independent study.

SSE's examination has concluded that the so-called independent study by consultants ERM has been carried out with the sole intention of giving Stansted Airport's operator a 'clean bill of health'. ERM has viewed its role as one of assisting BAA to gain planning approval, says SSE.  This conflict of interest is accentuated by the fact that ERM has wider business interests with BAA.

SSE's report shows that significant health risks have been ignored or glossed over. “There is no more important duty for Uttlesford District Council than its duty to ensure that the health of the local community is not put at risk as a consequence of a planning decision,” Carol Barbone, SSE's campaign director, has told UDC.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS
READ THE COVERING LETTER TO UTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL
READ SSE'S FULL RESPONSE TO THE HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT

FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, Stop Stansted Expansion: M 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk