Representation by FIONA VICK
- Date submitted
- 23 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed expansion of London Luton Airport, as outlined in the application for the development consent order. As a resident of Breachwood Green, a village located in close proximity to the airport, I am deeply concerned about the potential impacts of significant increases in the number of passengers and air traffic if the airport expands to a capacity level of 32 million per annum. Firstly, I would like to address the communication received from Luton Rising on 9 May 2023. While I appreciate their attempt to inform residents about the proposed development, the letter fails to adequately explain how I may be affected by the application or what form of compensation I may be entitled to. The provided plan is not helpful in assessing the specific impacts on my home in Breachwood Green. We are already impacted by large amounts of airport noise - flights but also ground noise - at all times of the day. Nightflights are commonplace - with particularly noisy freight flights in operation. Upon reviewing the extensive application document index, which spans 23 pages, and certain chapters of the Environmental Statement (ES), I have found that the sheer volume of technical documentation makes it nearly impossible for a resident to thoroughly review and comprehend the application's details. This lack of accessibility hinders my ability to assess how the proposed redevelopment may impact my property. I would like to draw attention to the fact that HS2 Ltd prepared Community Area Collections for each phase of the HS2 project, aiding residents in understanding the development's impact. Such comprehensive summaries, accompanied by maps and plans, have not been provided for this application. I believe it is imperative for Luton Rising to produce Community Area Collections for the proposed development and inform residents about how they will be affected and the compensation available to them. Although a non-technical summary (NTS) has been prepared as required by the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, I find it insufficient for a resident to fully comprehend the potential impacts of the proposed development on their home. I urge Luton Rising to provide a more detailed and accessible summary that enables residents to understand the true implications of the expansion. Additionally, it is essential that Luton Rising prepares a clear plan, overlaid on an Ordnance Survey (OS) background, which allows individual properties to be accurately identified within the proposed noise contours and associated noise insulation schemes. The current plan on page 28 of the Draft Compensation Policies, Measures, and Community First document (Appendix A – Indicative Noise Map) is unclear, making it impossible for me to determine which scheme my property falls under. I request a clear and legible plan that enables residents to assess the adequacy of the proposed mitigation measures. Furthermore, I insist on a contractual commitment to provide appropriate mitigation and its long-term maintenance. In light of the proposed expansion, it is crucial to consider how noise insulation will operate during the summer months when windows are often open for ventilation. The applicant must address this concern and provide detailed proposals for mitigating noise impacts during this period when myself and my family derive much enjoyment from our gardens and other outside space in our rural village setting. I would also like to exercise my right to speak at any examination regarding noise and provide further input on respite mitigation measures and enforcement measures. One of the primary issues I have identified in the application is the lack of a clear justification for the additional capacity. The Planning Statement refers to a "Need Case," which appears to be primarily based on business travel. However, it is important to note that Luton Airport is predominantly a leisure airport, whereas airports such as Heathrow and City Airport cater more specifically to business travel. The proposed business case for Luton Airport based on socio-economic factors has not been adequately presented. While the proposed development may benefit residents of Luton Borough Council, given their ownership of the airport, it is questionable whether this is a valid reason for expansion if it comes at the expense of the wider environment. Considering the scale of the proposed expansion and the fact that Luton Borough Council owns the airport, it is crucial to establish clear legal safeguards to ensure the delivery and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures and the requirements of the Development Consent Order (DCO). These safeguards should involve third parties, including Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire County Councils, as well as other relevant authorities, which should have the authority to require performance and restrict further operations or development in the event of non-compliance. Thank you for considering my objections and concerns regarding the proposed expansion of London Luton Airport. I trust that the Planning Inspectorate will thoroughly evaluate these points in the decision-making process.