AIRPORT bosses have pledged to spend £35m on public services to address concerns over their plans to increase passenger numbers.

Stansted Airport aims to release the cash throughout an eight-year period in which much of the money will be spent on transport schemes in the area.

Bosses have vowed to set aside £12m for transport infrastructure, £1m for new bus routes and a further £2m for improving roads close by to the area, including junction 8 of the M11 which connects with the A120.

Money has also been set aside for for a new sound insulation scheme which will see up to £10,000 offered to households closest to the airport.

Up to five schools and two health care facilities in the area will also have access to the sound insulation grant.

Stansted Airport is required by law to make financial contributions to the community as part of its planning application to increase passenger numbers by up to eight million each year.

Chief exec Ken O’Toole said: “We have listened to the community from the outset and remain absolutely committed to delivering additional passenger growth in a sustainable manner, without an increase in the number of permitted flights and within a smaller noise footprint than our existing permission requires.

“There is no denying that the airport delivers substantial benefits to the Uttlesford, Essex and East of England economies.”

Uttlesford Council has backed Stansted’s passenger expansion but has failed to provide full approval for the scheme.

It has refused to agree the financial contributions, called S106 agreements, offered by Stansted so far.

The application has been called back to the planning committee so it can review other concerns about the environmental impact of the plans.

Uttlesford Council will host an extraordinary meeting on Thursday to allow members of the public to provide their views on the application.

The planning committee is then scheduled to meet on January 24 where they are expected to give a final ruling on Stansted’s plans.

Mr O’Toole added: “We have been working hard with the council over recent months to better understand their concerns and have put forward proposals which are legally sound and present a proportionate mitigation package.

“We would hope the committee take this on board, along with the advice they have received from their own officers and independent legal advisors when they meet in the coming weeks.”

Thursday’s meeting takes place at the council offices in London Road, Saffron Walden.

It starts at 10am.