Government to take the views of residents into consideration
Hounslow Council has welcomed a government review of the UK’s aviation industry that will take the views of residents into consideration over Heathrow.
The Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond’s report entitled “Developing a sustainable framework for UK aviation” seeks to balance the UK’s modern transport requirements with the impact aviation has on local people.
One section of the document suggests further research will be undertaken into how night flights can be improved to deliver better outcomes for residents living close to airports such as Heathrow.
The report also seeks to further investigate the most significant impacts, both positive and negative, of aviation on local communities, including air quality and any financial benefits.
A consultation document on a revised night noise regime at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick is expected shortly.
Cllr Corinna Smart, Hounslow Council’s lead member for the environment said, “This is an opportunity for all residents who are directly affected by the operation of Heathrow Airport to tell the government what environmental improvements they would like to see.
'’We are particularly encouraged that the government is looking to review the most disruptive aspect of Heathrow's operation, night flights. Whilst we have yet to look at the document from all angles, we will be lobbying the government to introduce a ban on these flights over a period of time.
“We also look to more general improvements in our environment, reductions of daytime noise, reduced pollution levels and improved mitigation for those affected by Heathrow's operation.
“Hounslow Council has never been anti-Heathrow; however we believe that environmental effects of living near a major international airport should be properly mitigated above what is currently available and residents’ views are properly considered.”
April 7, 2011
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