Biggin Hill. Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky.

Biggin Hill Airport will now apply for long-term changes to its lease in the wake of its "Olympic gateway" bid. Critics accused airport bosses of trying to set a precedent for changes to the rules, including longer opening hours and introducing fare-paying passengers, after it submitted an application to relax regulations during the games.

Those living in places such as Sundridge, Westerham, Brasted, Cudham and Downe will be affected by any changes. Bromley Residents Against Airport Development submitted a Freedom of Information request to Bromley Council after hearing rumours a second application was on the cards.

This was confirmed in correspondence between the airport and the council. In a statement on behalf of the group, member Harry Ivey said:

"Biggin Hill Airport Ltd [BHAL] applied to Bromley Council for temporary permission to operate extended flying hours during the Olympics, as well as permitting individual fare-paying passengers during this period. BHAL also indicated that 'wider variations' proposals would be submitted. Granting temporary permission for the Olympics proposals by December 23 would have created a precedent for the 'wider variations' proposals to follow. The current public consultation is only on the temporary proposals."

kentonline 28th Jan 2011

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No chance of Manston pulling this kind of stunt, is there?