A new flight pattern at Heathrow airport may soon come into force.
Concerned residents are being urged to write to the government about the impact of aircraft noise on their day-to-day lives.
Heathrow airport has recently been trialling a new flight pattern, which involves bringing more planes into land during what were previously respite periods.
Wandsworth Council, a founder member of the 2M group which is concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion, believe it is this change that has led to more than 1,000 reports of increased aircraft noise over the last 14 months.
Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, will soon decide whether to make this a permanent change, as well as considering changes to night flight rules.
The leader of Wandsworth Council, Ravi Govindia, said there had been no real consultation with residents, whose health and quality of life could be affected by the changes.
“How can our residents have any confidence in a process they have been shut out of from the start?” he said.
“A report will soon be presented to the Transport Secretary which we fear will understate the noise impacts of this trial and the distress it has caused ordinary Londoners. Instead, it will show a minor operational benefit for Heathrow.
“We are asking our residents to write to Mr McLoughlin to share their experiences of the trial and how early morning flights affect their well-being. Heathrow won’t listen so we have to go direct to the decision maker.”
The request comes after Wandsworth was one of nine local authorities who last week called on the government to bring forward the publication of the final report of the Airports Commission.
The report, headed by Sir Howard Davies, is examining whether extra airport capacity might be needed in London, and if so, where it should be.
Photo courtesy of shyb, with thanks.
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