Representation by Andrew Robson
- Date submitted
- 22 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The proposal greatly to increase the number of flights to and from Luton Airport is totally at odds with Luton Council’s pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The proposed very large increase in the number of flights will significantly increase carbon emissions. No attempts at mitigation will stop these emissions. The adverse effects on the climate and on the planet caused by the burning of fossil fuel are well established and have been described in detail in successive reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The emissions resulting from the proposed increase in flights to and from Luton Airport will add to these adverse effects and will make it more difficult to achieve the Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 Apart from the effects of carbon emissions on climate, emissions from aircraft and vehicles cause atmospheric pollution. According to a report by the British Heart Foundation, people living in Luton are breathing some of the most polluted air in the East of England. Increases in passenger numbers will increase the volume of road traffic to and from the airport, with consequent increases in noise, traffic congestion and air pollution. I live on the outskirts of Hitchin, close to Charlton village. Apart from noise from the aircraft, which has increased noticeably recently, we are affected by vehicle traffic to and from Luton. I am concerned by the likely increases in noise, traffic and pollution resulting from the proposals. The proposals take little account of the impacts on areas neighbouring Luton, notably Hitchin.