Airport unveils major development plans near runway

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has unveiled major plans to develop parts of its airfield.

Bosses at the airport said they had identified four plots of land, near the runway in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, totalling 123.5 acres (50 hectares) for new warehousing and car parking.

The proposal could create more than 20,000 jobs as part of an expansion of its cargo operations, the airport said.

Developers are now being sought for the scheme.

The plans, published on Wednesday, show three of the four development sites would have direct access to the runway through new taxiways and space to park up to 18 extra aircraft.

The airport said 122,000 sq m of warehousing would be created along with 51,000 sq m of landside yard space.

A recent study, commissioned by the airport, said there was potential to increase freight growth at the airport by 54% - to 583,000 tonnes - by 2043.

The study said that growth could boost the economy by £3.9bn and create 21,300 jobs.

Airport managing director Steve Griffiths said EMA was already a major cargo hub with potential to grow further.

He said: "Our plan for growth will bolster the airport's pivotal role in powering UK trade, with tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic value set to be unlocked by enhancing EMA's cargo operation.

"We have four plots, a completely open mind over how those plots should be developed and are open to suggestions for investment mechanisms that would unlock their potential."

East Midlands regional mayor Claire Ward has backed the proposal.

She said: "East Midlands Airport connects our region to the world, and we need to get the most out of those connections to grow the economy in a way that lands here – boosting our businesses and bringing people together.

"EMA's cargo expansion is consistent with this objective and is a game-changer not just for us, but for the UK."

Kegworth Parish Council told the BBC it was aware of the proposed development.

In a statement, it said: "The council remains committed to representing the best interests and wellbeing of Kegworth residents and will carefully assess the potential impact of any changes on the village and surrounding area.

"A formal response to the proposals will be provided should the Council be officially consulted on the matter."

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