4:05pm Thursday 22nd October 2009
By Michael Purton
MAYOR of London Boris Johnson has said he has no aspirations to build an airport in the Thames Estuary, just days after a report he commissioned said it would be possible.
On Monday it was announced a study Mr Johnson had commissioned into creating the floating airport off the north Kent coast had found it technically feasible.
However, when quizzed by the London Assembly transport committee on Tuesday he said: "I do not have an aspiration to construct such an airport."
Mr Johnson added: "What I think is right for us, as the GLA (Greater London Authority), is to look in a progressive way at all the aviation possibilities around London, and that's all we are doing."
Plans for the estimated £40bn project, nicknamed 'Boris Island', have been widely criticised.
Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite says it is “a ridiculous plan” and warns of the dangers of potential bird strikes.
Cllr Kite, a Conservative, said: “This is one of the most significant bird wetlands in Europe.
“All around the world people have avoided building airports in traditional wetlands.
“If you build an airport next door the fact is you are going to pull an aircraft down. It's not an exaggeration.
“Birds and aircraft do not mix. It's a ludicrous place for an airport.”
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