Public prosecutors are investigating whether or not figures provided on nitrous emissions from the planned passenger hub at Lelystad Airport may have been purposefully incorrect, reports Omroep Flevoland.

An opponent of the airport, Leon Adegeest of the Stichting HoogOverijssel, reported 14 people involved in presenting figures regarding the airport’s emissions to the police for alleged criminal activity.

Protestors claim that officials in the infrastructure and water ministry, consultancy firms and (former) directors of Lelystad Airport did not correctly declare nitrogen compound emissions for an environmental impact assessment and mandatory nitrogen declarations.

They accuse officials of falsifying papers, misusing authority and hiding important evidence, giving an impression that emissions would be lower.

Earlier this year, nature minister Christianne van der Wal denied the planned passenger airport environmental permission, saying the application was based on incorrect calculations.

Lelystad airport, which serves flight schools and private aircraft, was due to open in 2018 to relieve pressure on Schiphol by taking on short-haul holiday flights, allowing the larger hub airport to concentrate on intercontinental traffic.

However, the project has been beset by difficulties with securing approval at both national and European level. Local residents have also protested against increased noise pollution and traffic in the area.

Lelystad Airport has threatened to take the government to court over the denied planning permission. Dutch News has asked the airport for a response to the latest reports.