The new noise guidelines from the World Health Organisation, published 10th October 2018, are tougher on aircraft noise than previously. The guidelines indicate that aircraft noise can affect the health of people living well over 20 miles from Heathrow. They are of course just guidelines, not intended to be implemented overnight. Their main purpose is to indicate the levels at which noise can become a health problem.
Recommended Limits
Road 53Lden 45Lnight
Rail 54Lden 44Lnight
Aircraft 45Len 40Lnight
Wind Turbines 45Lden no recommendation
Our view this a strong message to Heathrow as it develops its new flight paths that aircraft noise problems are not confined to areas close to the airport.
For more details, see the HACAN press release: http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/WHO-new-noise-guidelines-Press-Release-1.pdf
Fullreport: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/383921/noise-guidelines-eng.pdf?ua=1
We have done a plain person’s guide to the WHO report: http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Plain-Persons-Guide-to-WHO-report-1.pdf
WHO Report: People most likely to become highly annoyed by aircraft noise when change takes place
The new WHO report has found that more people are highly-annoyed by aircraft noise than 20 years ago and that high levels of annoyance are most likely to occur when change takes place (new airport; new runway; changed flight path). But there are also other reasons for high levels of annoyance. Read more here: http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/WHO-new-aircraft-levels-assessed-1.pdf
High Court allows 3rd Runway legal challenges to go to full hearing
On 4th October the judge in the Courts of Justice ruled that 5 of the 6 of challenges to Parliament’s decision to back a 3rd Runway can go to a full hearing. The one that was dropped was an individual in Birmingham. The cases will be held over a 2 week period in March next year. Elements of the cases he can combine to avoid duplication.
The four main challenges are from are from Hillingdon, Wandsworth, Richmond, Hammersmith & Fulham and Windsor & Maidenhead, backed by Greenpeace and the Mayor of London; the one from Heathrow Hub. and challenges from Friends of the Earth and Plan B, both on climate change. The fifth is from an individual based in SW London.
This ruling does not of course stop Heathrow preparing and consulting on its plans for a third runway.
Heathrow’s 3rd Runway Timetable
Assuming it is not derailed by any of the legal challenges, Heathrow intends to consult on its detailed plans for a third runway in 2019 before presenting its plans to a public inquiry in 2020. The public inquiry by law cannot last more than 6 months and will largely rely on written evidence. It is likely to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport in 2021. If the Secretary approves the detailed plans, Heathrow aims to open the new runway in 2015.
PRESS RELEASE
Communities face ‘a tsunami of noise’ as cabinet backs third runway
5/6/18 for immediate use
A leading campaign group said that many communities would face ‘a tsunami of noise’ if a third runway went ahead at Heathrow. On the day the Cabinet gave its official backing to a new runway HACAN, the long-established residents’ group which opposes Heathrow expansion, said that ‘many people’s lives would be changed forever’ as a result of the noise from the 700 extra planes a day that would use the airport if a third runway is built.
Parliament will be required to vote on the Airports National Policy Statement (1), which sets out plans for a third runway, within 21 days. Most Conservatives are expected to back the plans. The Labour Party is divided on the issue. A number of leading members of the shadow cabinet such as John McDonnell, Emily Thornberry and Diane Abbot have a long history of opposing a third runway but it is backed by many MPs outside London who believe it will improve connectivity to their areas. The Liberal Democrats oppose the new runway but it is supported by the DUP and the Scottish National Party, though the latter may be reluctant to vote with the Conservatives.
The National Policy Statement, laid before Parliament today by transport secretary Chris Grayling, also set out a number of binding conditions which Heathrow would need to adhere to. These included a six and a half hour night ban, up from five hours at present; strict air pollution limits; improved compensation for local residents; and tough powers for the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the costs of the third runway do not become excessive.
HACAN chair John Stewart said, “This is a bad day for residents. Many communities will face a tsunami of noise if a third runway goes ahead. Many people who will be under new flights paths will find their lives changed forever. We will continue to oppose a new runway but, obviously, if it becomes inevitable, we will fight for the best conditions possible for residents.”
A number of local authorities are expected to challenge any Parliamentary vote for a third runway in the courts.
If Parliament backs a third runway, it becomes Government policy and Heathrow will start drawing up its detailed plans. It expects these to be put out to public consultation next year and to be laid before a planning inquiry in 2020. If the plans are approved, it hopes to start building the runway in 2021 and open it in 2025.
ENDS
Notes for editors
(1). Link to the National Policy Statement – https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/proposed-heathrow-expansion
For more information:
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650