Agenda item

Councillor Goldspink presented her motion on notice. She said that many residents accepted the presence of the airport on their doorstep and appreciated the benefits it brought to the area. She said however one of the downsides was the nuisance of noise at nighttime.

Councillor Goldspink said that Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick were designated airports and the government had set limits on the number of night flights. The Department of Transport was running a public consultation on the possibility of removing government controls at Stansted airport and move the responsibility to Uttlesford District Council. She said that the best option for residents was Option 3 in the consultation and asked the Council to support this option.

Councillor Wilson seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Councillor McAndrew thanked Councillor Goldspink for bringing the motion to Council. He felt however that the motion did not contain the relevant facts and information for Members to be fully informed. He asked if the Executive Member for Resident Engagement had consulted with residents.

Councillor Devonshire and Councillor Hart said that they were in favour of the motion.

Councillor Deering agreed with Councillor McAndrew that there needed to be more factual evidence. However, he said that the Conservative group were supportive of the motion and many Members represented rural wards. He said that it was right to say that airports were important as they created jobs but there needed to be a balance.

Councillor Wilson responded to the comments raised. He referred to the comments on data and information and said that there was a nationwide study underway about the impact of noise on people’s health, but the study would not be completed until 2025. He said there was a clear demand for air travel and the government needed to find ways of reducing rail fares to reduce domestic air travel.

Councillor Andrews said he agreed with the point about reducing domestic rail fares.

Councillor Stowe said that Luton airport affected areas in the west of the district as well.

Councillor Hollebon said that pollution was also a problem with the airports and said she supported the motion.

Councillor Goldspink responded to the points raised. She said she wanted limits on the number of night flights, not limits of the noise produced by night flights. She again asked the Council to support option 3.

The motion to support the motion having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – That the Council notes that Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are all Designated Airports. This means that it is the Government which sets the limits on the number of night flights which are permitted. At other Airports the government expects the local Planning Authorities to set the appropriate night-time flight numbers and noise controls.

The Council further notes that the Department for Transport (DfT) is currently running a public Consultation on the possibility of removing Government controls at Stansted Airport. This would mean that night-time flights and noise controls would be solely set and monitored by Uttlesford District Council.

This Council believes that night-time noise from aircraft has an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of people who experience it. Many residents in various parts of East Herts District are affected by this night-time noise, and as a result this Council is vehemently opposed to any possible future increase in the number of night-time flights from Stansted Airport.

East Herts District Council therefore resolves to take part in the Consultation being conducted by the Department for Transport concerning night-time flights from Stansted Airport. It will express support for Option 3, under which the Government’s night -time controls would remain in place.