Rochford and Southend East Conservative MP James Duddridge yesterday asked the Secretary of State for claification over the Southend Airport Article 14 Directive.
John Denham, Secretary of State, issued an article 14 directive last week.
This means that although Southend Borough Council’s Development Control Committee approved plans to expand Southend Airport, those plans cannot go ahead without Mr Denham’s authorisation.
If Mr Denham decides not to allow the development to go ahead, a public inquiry into the matter will be launched.
There is no time limit by which Mr Denham must make his decision.
In Parliament yesterday, Mr Duddridge said to Mr Denham:
“The Secretary of State has put forward an article 14 directive in relation to London Southend airport.
“It would be helpful to the local community if he could tell us roughly when he will make a decision on that matter, and whether there will be a need for a public inquiry.
“The sooner the better.”
Mr Denham refused to give an answer to Mr Duddridge’s request.
He said: “I understand the hon. Gentleman’s comments, but he will understand why I cannot reply to his question this afternoon.”
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