London City Airport defends increased flights

By Tom Derbyshire on February 28, 2008 10:50 AM |

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LONDON City Airport has hit back after an MP, John Austin, criticised its plans for an increased number of flights.

Mr Austin, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said a proposal to raise aircraft movements from 80,000 to 120,000 was an “unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance” for nearby residents.

The MP said Barking and Dagenham council has objected, with Bexley likely to follow. He added that if the London Borough of Newham, which is dealing with the proposal, gives it the go-ahead then a public inquiry should be held.

However, a spokeswoman for the airport defended the plans, pointing out that Mr Austin had said in a statement that he recognised City Airport as a key player in the regeneration of Docklands.

She added: “While there are undoubtedly some limited negative impacts upon the very local community as a result of the growth of the airport, it is important to strike the right balance between impacts.

“In recognition of this, the airport has committed to and maintained a number of restrictions on its operations. These include a ban on noisy aircraft, no night flights, 24-hour closure at weekends and limitations on engine-running on the ground.”

Mr Austin also claimed that, unlike neighbouring boroughs, Bexley residents would not be given sound insulation if planning permission for the increase was granted.

The airport spokeswoman said: “Mr Austin’s claim that residents of Bexley will not be entitled to sound insulation if their property falls into the future ‘57 LAeq 16h noise contour’ is wrong and we are asking him to withdraw it.

“If planning permission were to be granted, London City Airport would extend its sound insulation scheme to any eligible properties that fall into the noise contour.”

She added that the threshold level of LAeq – the sound measurement used by government for aviation matters – before sound insulation is installed is set at a lower level for City Airport than any other in the UK.

City Airport submitted its planning application to Newham Council in August last year. Newham has since begun a consultation process with neighbouring boroughs.

Story written by Rob Virtue
rob.virtue@wharf.co.uk