Representation by North Herts & Stevenage Friends of the Earth (North Herts & Stevenage Friends of the Earth)
- Date submitted
- 23 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
North Herts & Stevenage Friends of the Earth is a licensed local group of Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We previously submitted detailed comments in response to the 2022 statutory consultation. We oppose the proposed development because we believe the expansion of passenger capacity at Luton Airport will have very significant adverse environmental impacts, locally and nationally (due to the consequent increase in greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft using the airport). Aspects of the DCO proposal on which we may wish to submit comments include the following: - the level of additional greenhouse gas emissions arising from the projected increase in flights, and whether this increase is compatible with meeting the UK's 2050 "net zero" target (and taking account of growth plans put forward by multiple regional and national airports); - questionable assumptions made by the applicant about near-term developments in aircraft technology (e.g. "zero emission aircraft"); - factors which may mitigate anticipated increases in demand for flying over the next 20 years (e.g. impacts of climate change, changing public awareness of environmental risk, shifts in government policy); - the adverse impact of aircraft noise on local communities, and the adequacy of proposed mitigation measures; - increased congestion and emissions arising from additional road traffic generated by projected growth in passenger numbers.