Heathrow runway trials warning

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Heathrow runway trials warning

Wednesday October 19, 2011

Fulham residents living under the Heathrow flight path face increased aircraft noise after the introduction of new runway rules.

The airport's operator, BAA, is planning trials allowing the use of both runways simultaneously as part of the Government’s work on exploring how to make airports ‘better, not bigger’.

At the moment the airport uses a ‘runway alternation system’ which means using one runway for arrivals and the other for departures. Their use is switched halfway through the day at 3pm to give residents a predictable period of relief from aircraft noise.

At certain times BAA is already allowed to use both runways simultaneously for arrivals, mainly to clear backlogs of flights.

However, under the trials – which will start next month and happen in two phases – the threshold for triggering dual use of the runways will be lowered.

Both runways will be used when planes face a 10-minute wait to land or take off or if there is more widespread disruption to the airport’s flight schedules, for example due to bad weather. The average delay for flights is 12 minutes at Heathrow, so there could be a significant increase in the number of arrivals flights out of the usual runway alternation pattern.

BAA is sending leaflets to around 150,000 homes under the flight paths and only agreed to extend the delivery to local people following pressure from Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council.

Cllr Nick Botterill, H&F Council Deputy Leader, says: “This relaxing of the rules for these trials could have a significant impact on borough residents and it is unacceptable that local people have not been adequately informed by BAA.

“Residents, particularly south of Lillie Road, face the prospect of increased noise and disruption and the least BAA should have done is contact people directly to let them know.”

The first trial will run from November 1 to February 29, with a second scheduled for July 1 to September 30 next year, coinciding with the Olympics.

BAA says the trials will allow it to explore how the runways can be used more efficiently and claims there will be no increase in flights in or out of Heathrow – with the cap remaining at 480,000 aircraft movements a year.

John Stewart, chairman of the HACAN Clearskies campaign, said, “For many people in Hammersmith & Fulham living under the flight path the aircraft noise is only bearable because of the half day respite. The concern is that, by taking away this break from the noise of the planes, these trials will seriously worsen the quality of life for local residents.”

Nigel Milton, Director of Policy & Political Relations at BAA, will be on the panel at the council's Get H&F Moving Transport Summit on Tuesday, November 8.

The summit will cover issues such as aircraft noise, road works, Boris bikes and a whole host of other transport related issues. The summit takes place in Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, from 7pm on November 8.

For more information visit www.heathrowairport.com/noise (opens new window) or call 0800 344 844 or email noise_complaints@baa.com.

» Send us your comments now

I would be unlikely have moved into Fulham if the aircraft noise had been as it is now, this is a change that the Borough should be strongly fighting. The trial should not continue.
From David K on 05/12/2011 at 07:07
Absolutely shocking! I arrived home after a long weeks hard work to find significantly increased aircraft noise over Munster Rd due to planes taking off rather than landing. It was bad enough already but this is bound to make the area much less desirable. I am already thinking of moving! Shame on you BAA - Corporate incompetence and arrogance at it''s
very worst. I am hoping for another Icelandic volcano erupting or 4 milli centimetres of snow which should be enough to scupper your plans!
From Bob Robinson on 04/11/2011 at 21:47
Even though I''ve lived here for ages,I am still woken by night planes coming in sometimes in the early hours and also by the regular start up flights around 4.30am, which most people consider still sleeping time. I would like to add that where I am in Fulham, significant noise also comes from helicopters rattling windows badly. The combination stops conversations sometimes, so I dread the trial where no relief time can be relied on. But I will monitor the effect and hope the council is doing so too.
From Stig on 02/11/2011 at 14:44
The pollution, noise and atmospheric, caused by aircraft is totally unacceptable and will get worse with the new trials. What is the Borough doing to resist the overflying of aircraft in south west london?? A quiet period is essential. It seems that airlines and local and national government care little for the quality of lifeand the environment for those who live in london and pay council tax.
From mike butcher on 02/11/2011 at 11:19
The pollution, noise and atmospheric, caused by aircraft is totally unacceptable and will get worse with the new trials. What is the Borough doing to resist the overflying of aircraft in south west london?? A quiet period is essential. It seems that airlines and local and national government care little for the quality of lifeand the environment for those who live in london and pay council tax.
From mike butcher on 02/11/2011 at 11:19
I must echo the despair of the residents of all of the 75 apartments in the Piper Building, Peterborough rd, (and no doubt all of the residents of Philpot square adjacent to us) on hearing that planes will be flying directly over us 24/7. This building lies directly under the approach to Heathrow and even with the double-glazed windows shut planes wake us up. It is extraordinary that BAA has made no contact with us whatsoever.
From Charles Brocket on 24/10/2011 at 11:02
noise and atmospheric pollution from aircraft is already high and the borough is one of the worst polluted in london from traffic.what is the council doing about polluton which is causing health problems etc????.Low emmision zone, are aircraft exempt???? Council logo..."putting residents first" !!!!!!!!!! Could the council please put on their website what positive practical measures they are taking to stop aircraft flying over west london and to reduce pollution generally.
From mike butcher on 22/10/2011 at 09:39
When the skies are quiet, stress levels one didn't know were up are down. When we had the ash clouds, it was utterly marvellous and made one feel so much better. It is ludicrous to have planes from Europe flying across the capital - they should land to the east of London.
From Wolfe on 21/10/2011 at 20:59

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