SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 39
The land will be bounded by main roads that provide strong defensible Green Belt
boundaries and minimises the impact on the Meriden Gap.
95.
There are therefore exceptional circumstances for releasing Site UK1 UK Central/HS2
defined in this plan from the Green Belt.
Birmingham Airport
96.
The UK Aviation Policy Framework (2013) and the Future of UK Aviation: Making the best
use of existing runways (2018) place a renewed emphasis on making the best use of airport
runways and airport capacity. The Airport Master Plan (2018) forecasts that passenger
related air transport movement will grow substantially over the plan period (2018 throughput
13m passengers/year, 2033 throughput 18m passengers/year). The Master Plan also sets
out a higher growth scenario for up to 24m passengers/year, and either scenario can be
delivered off a single runway, in line with Government policy. Forecasts for airport activity
and its continuing development indicate a strong market for new investment as evidenced by
the extension to the main runway that was completed in 2014.
97.
In order to enable the Airport to meet its aspirations a variety of operational development will
be required as well as ancillary and complementary developments to serve the needs of
travelling passengers. Appropriate types of development are described in Policy P1.
98.
As a result of the forecast need for additional aircraft stands within the Plan period, there is
likely to be a need for more land for ancillary facilities as set out in the policy beyond the
Airport area. The local plan has been prepared to ensure it can respond to this if, and when,
necessary. In the meantime the Council believes it is appropriate that the airport should be
supported to maximise the capacity and capability of the existing extended runway, by
accommodating such ancillary facilities within Site UK2.
National Exhibition Centre
99.
The role of the National Exhibition Centre has evolved since opening in 1976. The NEC is
now acknowledged as a venue for major exhibitions, events, tourism and leisure and an
important driver of the visitor economy. In order for the NEC to remain competitive in a
market where key competitors are international it will need to respond to changing markets
and expectation and provide an improved offer. The NEC aspires to maintain its competitive
position in the market for hosting major events but also intends to widen its product offer to
encompass a wide range of major leisure and entertainment uses. The NEC aims to fulfil its
ambitions by:
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