News Release : 04 October 2004

ASSEMBLY SAYS NO INCREASE IN NIGHT FLIGHTS

Night flying restrictions at Heathrow and Gatwick must stay at current levels, says the South East England Regional Assembly’s Planning Committee. The limit on the numbers of flights must be retained and more accurate noise measurements for the crucial early morning period 4.30-7.00am need to be introduced. Any relaxation of these restrictions would damage the quality of life of the residents living near the airports and the wider environment. It would also be inconsistent with Government’s own policies on sustainable development and climate change.

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the South East England Regional Assembly’s Regional Planning Committee said: “The Government is constantly pushing to encourage more development around Heathrow and Gatwick. At the same time, it is claiming to wish to improve the quality of life of people in the region. Any relaxation in night flight restrictions would undermine this aim.”

The Government is seeking views on night flying restrictions for a six-year period from 30 October 2005. The consultation period runs until 29 October 2004.

The present night flying restrictions apply at two levels.

• A ‘Night Period’ restriction is enforced from 2300 to 0700 daily. The noisiest types of aircraft may not be scheduled to land or take off (other than in the most exceptional circumstances).
• A ‘Night Quota Period’ (NQP) is enforced from 2330 to 0600 daily. In addition to the Night Period ban, movements by all other types of aircraft, except the very quietest, are severely restricted by a limit on movements and a noise quota.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. More information in the 29 September Regional Planning Committee documents.
2. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
3. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
4. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007