Agenda item

Councillor Timmis gave an update to the committee. The report in the agenda is from London Luton Airport and provides statistics about 2017. There is no mention of the new plans which will see 36 million passengers a year by 2050. The current plan is to have 18 million passengers by 2025, but already it has reached 15 million. Luton Airport do not have the same constraints on night flights as other airports like Heathrow.
The noise from the airport falls heavily on Markyate and Flamstead but DBC don’t seem to be pushing this. St Albans Council has submitted a huge objection to the expansion so we should be joining with them.
The airport is holding consultations in this area but the results don’t seem to be fed back.
The airport has promised quieter aircraft but currently they only have two. Also, larger planes are planned which would increase the number of passengers but would need a greater take off angle, further increasing the noise.
Air Traffic Control are undertaking a reorganisation of the skies, the current problem at Luton is that there are stacking areas at a higher altitude for Heathrow and London City airports and so the planes have to take off at a lower level to avoid this area.
Overall, the problem is that Luton Borough Council owns the airport and are the planning authority. The airport generates income and the Secretary of State is keen to expand airports because of the economic benefits.
Councillor Timmis said that she had arranged a meeting with Sir Mike Penning MP in the hope he will be able to lobby the government.

Councillor Birnie said he felt that DBC should be more proactive in approaching the airport about noise. He said it had been brought up at Herts County but the airport is in Bedfordshire so even they have limited influence. The only meaningful influence and direction will come from the Civil Aviation Authority or central government.

Councillor Ransley said if the airport expands, it’ll start taking in more goods flights. Currently, there is a goods flight that comes over Tring at 2.30am every night.

Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe agreed that the noise was bad, it is also noisy in Woodhall Farm and Grovehill. She said central government are pushing for airport expansion but local authorities have greater control and influence over infrastructure. It might be better to focus attention on night flights and try and get them controlled.

Councillor S Hearn said DBC should be contacting Luton Borough Council as they are the driving force behind the airport. Over the last five years, they have improved the airport and road system to allow for gentle expansion.

Councillor Anderson said the government were in favour of growth. He asked Councillor Timmis if it would be an idea to invite Councillor Williams or Councillor G Sutton to her meeting with the MP.

Councillor Birnie said it was important that DBC join with other councils to protest otherwise the flight paths might be shifted towards Dacorum.

Councillor Timmis said the new technology on all routes has meant aircraft have been concentrated in smaller areas.

Councillor Anderson asked Councillor Timmis to let the committee know when opportunities arise for cross working.

Councillor G Sutton said another thing to consider was the expansion of Heathrow and more flights over the South West which could affect flights in the long run.

Outcome

Councillor Anderson asked the committee to support Councillor Timmis in maximising the Council’s profile in restricting expansion at London Luton Airport.