Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Luton Flightpaths

09 January 2023 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Anthony Browne Con South Cambridgeshire

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anthony Browne raised concerns about luton flightpaths in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP expresses concern over the impact of Luton airport's new holding stack on South Cambridgershire residents, citing health issues like PTSD and sleep deprivation.
  • The Minister acknowledges the health impacts of aviation noise but highlights the economic benefits of Luton airport, stressing measures like public consultation and an extended data collection period until September 2023.
  • The Government commit to reviewing noise policy to find a balance between economic benefits and reducing negative impacts on local communities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Anthony Browne Con South Cambridgeshire

The MP acknowledges the technical advantages of airspace deployment 6 but expresses deep concern over its disruptive impact on South Cambridgeshire residents. He describes a stark change in local tranquillity due to Luton airport's new holding stack, affecting mental and physical health. The speech includes personal stories from affected constituents suffering from PTSD, sleep deprivation, and hypersensitivity. Browne calls for revising noise pollution guidelines to reflect rural vs. urban noise levels, extending the post-implementation review period, ensuring independent analysis of flightpath changes, and greater transparency in data sharing.

Other contributors (2)
  • Djanogly Con Huntingdon

    The hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire highlights the need to differentiate between rural and urban noise levels.

  • Richard Fuller Constitutional Unionist North East Bedfordshire

    Raises concern over airport expansion exacerbating the problem.

Government Response

Huw Merriman

The Minister acknowledges the health impacts of aviation noise but emphasises the economic benefits of Luton airport. He outlines measures such as public consultation, engagement with stakeholders, and a post-implementation review to ensure transparency. The CAA will extend the data collection period until September 2023. The Government commit to considering changes to noise policy in due course this year, aiming for a balance between economic benefits and reducing negative impacts on local communities.

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