This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Land allocated for expansion of Glasgow Airport
24/01/2005
Around 200 hectares of land has been earmarked for
future development at Glasgow International Airport over
the next 25 years.
Ministers have approved an alteration to the Glasgow and
Clyde Valley Structure Plan made by various local councils,
including Glasgow and Renfrewshire, to secure long term
expansion at the airport.
This means land will be reserved to expand the terminal
capacity and allows for the possibility of providing an
additional runway, which is in line with recommendations
made by the UK government in the air transport white
paper.
The alteration has been approved by the Executive with a
reservation in respect of the widening of the M8 motorway
between junctions 26 and 29.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said:
"Councils have acted promptly to make provision for the
long term development of Glasgow International Airport.
"The airport is vital for Scotland's economic growth and
this alteration will ensure that land is available for
future expansion over the coming decades.
"We are improving transport links throughout Scotland
and Glasgow will be the first airport to have a direct rail
link. At this stage it would be inappropriate to commit to
the widening of the M8 before the impact of improved public
transport has been fully analysed."
The details of the land for development will be drawn up
between Renfrewshire Council and BAA Scotland.
The Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Structure Plan covers
the areas of Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire, North
Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire,
Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Councils.
Alterations to Structure Plans require to be approved by
Scottish Ministers.
The Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Structure Plan is
available from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan
Joint Committee at 10 Killermont Street, Glasgow. Tel: 0141
331 2468 and at
www.gcvcore.gov.uk.
The decision letter is available at
www.scotland.uk/planning/
Proposals to create a new 15 minute direct rail link
from Glasgow city centre to the airport are currently out
to consultation. The proposed route will provide four
trains an hour. Strathclyde Passenger Transport expects the
whole project to be completed in 2008.