Timetable – Existing runway

23 July 2002
The Secretary of State for Transport announces the start of a major UK Government consultation to examine and decide how the UK's air services and airports should develop over the next 30 years. The consultation is referred to as SERAS (South East and East of England Regional Air Services).

12 May 2003
BAA issued its response calling for the responsible growth of aviation.

16 December 2003
White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, published.

July – October 2005
Public consultation on Generation 1 (existing runway) proposal.

26 April 2006
Generation 1 (existing runway) application submitted to Uttlesford District Council.

May 2006
Interim Master Plan published - outlines development of Stansted as a one runway airport.

29 November 2006
Uttlesford District Council refuses permission for Generation 1 (existing runway) planning application.

5 December 2006
Appeal launched against planning decision.

30 May to 19 October 2007
Appeal heard at a public inquiry.

December 2007
Inquiry Inspector will now aim to give his report on the Generation 1 (existing runway) application to the Government by the end of 2007.

9 October 2008
Government grants permission for growth on existing runway following an independent public inquiry. Stansted can now operate up to 35m passengers a year and 264,000 air transport movements a year on its current runway.