St Albans MP calls for aviation noise body, in wake of Luton Airport complaints
St Albans MP Anne Main - Credit: Archant
St Albans MP Anne Main has asked the Transport Secretary for more information on the possible establishment of a new, independent aviation noise body, after a spike in complaints about Luton Airport.
The politician has written to Chris Grayling to press him on the government’s plans to better manage airspace noise, pointing out that St Albans “is affected by increased flightpaths from Luton Airport”.
She added: “Local residents have voiced their concerns about noise relating to aircraft straying from their published flightpath for many years.”
Anne said that while the airport had last year introduced technology to keep aircraft closer to the centreline of a new route, “this now means that flight travel is concentrated in north St Albans, to the huge detriment of those living close to the narrower path”.
After a surge in complaints about the increased plane noise, including through the night, Anne said she ‘strongly supports’ a recommendation alluded to recently by the Transport Secretary to initiate an independent aviation noise body.
She asked, however, “what powers of intervention would they have in these matters? How would you implement the decisions of the independent body?
“No airplane can be silent and air travel is vital for our economy but communities want assurances that the government is working to reduce the impact of aircraft noise where possible. And as you highlighted in your [recent] statement, more can be done.
“You will appreciate the local community is keen to understand how they will be engaged and look forward to such proposals.”
Most Read
- 1 Fire broke out at flats above row of shops in How Wood
- 2 From Levi's to Leyton Road: Superstar fashionista for over 50s back on shop floor
- 3 Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan spotted filming in St Albans
- 4 Meet the artist behind The Queen's Platinum Jubilee mural in St Albans
- 5 Building company resurfaces bridleway to provide safe route for riders and walkers
- 6 Suspected loan sharks arrested in Hemel Hempstead
- 7 Stalking Protection Order issued to Herts man after obsessive behaviour towards ex
- 8 Tough mother Jenny giving back to Bone Cancer Research
- 9 St Albans SustFest kicks off in style
- 10 Huge Victorian house with pool and gym on sale for £1.75m
Anne also queried the likely timeframe to set up the proposed independent body, and when improvements would be delivered.
An aircraft noise enquiry or complaint can be made to Luton Airport via its online flight tracking system known as TraVis (http://travisltn.topsonic.aero), or email: noise@ltn.aero or by calling 01582 395382 (24hr automated line).
