CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Stansted Airport to abandon its bid to increase passenger numbers.

The Stop Stansted Expansion group says it has written to the chief executive at the airport to call for a planning application to expand passenger limits to 43 million per yer to be withdrawn.

The blueprints were refused by Uttlesford Council in January but the Manchester Airports Group – which owns Stansted – could appeal against the decision.

Three months have passed without an appeal coming forward and airport bosses only have until July to challenge the decision.

But the economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led to SSE calling on Stansted to give up on the expansion plan altogether.

The group, which was set up to oppose the proposals, say an appeal would lead to a public inquiry – meaning a final decision may not be reached for another 18 months.

Uttlesford Council has set aside money to cover the cost of an public inquiry, but SSE says that cash should be used to help tackle the pandemic.

SSE chairman Peter Sanders said: “We have called upon MAG to show magnanimity in the current circumstances by announcing that it will respect the decision made by Uttlesford Council earlier this year. It’s time to end the uncertainty.

“Ending the uncertainty would allow the council to release the £1.7million currently held in reserve and to use this money to assist local businesses and local residents, including airport employees who have been laid off, during the current crisis.

“It’s not only a question of magnanimity, it’s also about common sense. The aviation sector worldwide has been decimated by the Covid-19 crisis and it will take a very long time to recover. It is highly unlikely that Stansted Airport will need permission for any further expansion at any time soon.”

SSE says it is “hopeful” it will receive a “positive response” to its plea.

A spokesman for Stansted Airport said: “This is an extremely difficult and challenging time for the whole country.

"The situation has however given London Stansted Airport the unique opportunity to play a small but vitally important part in further supporting the community in which we operate.

“London Stansted has remained open for business during this period, with our cargo operation playing a critical role in bringing goods into the UK, including vital supplies of PPE for the country’s key workers. In addition, we are supporting the government’s drive to test more and more frontline NHS staff by making available one of our main long-stay car parks, hundreds of our colleagues have been volunteering across Uttlesford and the wider Essex County and we have also been showing our appreciation for the work of the brave and brilliant NHS and healthcare workers by creating a special thank you message on the airfield.

“From the outset, we listened to local communities to put forward an application that delivers no increase in already approved flight numbers and was supported by a comprehensive package of mitigation measures to benefit local communities.

“The council's monetary reserve is a matter for them. We are still carefully considering both the comments made by the planning committee and also the wider stakeholder community benefits that the future success of Stansted will bring to the economy at such a critical time.”