Airport defends expansion plans after MP's criticism
29.02.08
London City Airport has defended itself after an MP criticised its plans for an increased number of flights. John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said a proposal to raise aircraft movements from 80,000 to 120,000 a year was an ‘unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance’ for nearby residents.
The MP said Barking and Dagenham council has objected to the plans, with Bexley likely to follow. He said that if the London Borough of Newham, which is dealing with the proposal, gives the go-ahead then a public inquiry should be held.
However, a spokesman for the airport defended its plans, pointing out that Mr Austin had said in a previous statement that he recognised the airport as a key player in the regeneration of Docklands. She said: ‘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 this and the benefits growth will bring.'
‘The airport has already 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. However, the airport spokesman 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.'
She added that the threshold level of LAeq - the sound measurement used by government for aviation - before sound insulation is installed is set at a lower level for London City Airport than any other in the UK.
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