Representation by Watermill Estate Residents' Association (Watermill Estate Residents' Association)
- Date submitted
- 21 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
We wish to express concern over the proposed expansion of Luton airport for the following reasons: • Noise disturbance from aircraft flying over our area in Hertford has increased considerably over the past few years. Planes are flying overhead instead of following a path along the less densely populated areas and night time flights have increased making it difficult to sleep during the summer months when bedroom windows need to be open. Increasing capacity will just exacerbate these issues. • Demand for flights decreased by about 75% as a result of Covid restrictions and it is unclear whether demand will return to pre-pandemic levels and if so when. Continuing with an expansion when demand levels cannot be accurately forecast is a gamble which should not be taken. • Air transportation is unquestionably bad for the environment as it contributes to global warming and pollution as well as leaving a huge carbon footprint. Increasing the number of flights will exacerbate this.