Self Approval of increased pax limit
The following extract from Bim Afolami (MP Harpenden and Hitchin) may throw more light on the subject....
I have hosted public meetings to discuss the impact of flight noise and local pollution over the past two years, and I have held several formal and informal meetings with local campaigners fighting to stop the airport making our case to Luton Airport, the Government, and the Civil Aviation Authority. I also held a debate in Parliament following the announcement that the airport would seek to increase passenger numbers from 18 million to 32 million. During this debate the Government confirmed for the first time ever, that Luton Airport will not be allowed to expand beyond its current 18 million passenger limit with approval from Planning Inspectorate in central Government - so Luton Borough Council (who own the airport) will not be able to approve its own planning application....