A major win for our campaign to protect the quality of life of our residents.
I’m delighted that the Government have agreed to block London City Airport’s plans to reduce the 24 hour flight curfew that’s been in place from 12.30pm every Saturday since the original 1986 planning permission was granted. The Secretaries of State have recognised that the Airport’s proposals to extend its operating hours on Saturdays to 6.30pm would cause harm.
This represents a major win for the stand we’ve taken here at Newham Council to protect the quality of life of our residents, alongside the extensive campaigning by residents, other supporters and HACAN East.
However the rest of the Airport’s appeal was allowed and I remain deeply concerned by the decision to allow additional morning flights during the week and the potential impacts of the increase in passenger numbers.
In July 2023, the Council’s Strategic Development Committee unanimously rejected proposals submitted by London City Airport to extend its operating hours. The decision to refuse was based on expert aviation advice and consideration of ‘material planning policies’. It highlighted a new material noise impact which would lead to significant harm to our residents because increased noise is detrimental to their health and quality of life.
I am also concerned about the climate implications of the decision. Newham Council’s Just Transition Plan sets out our journey to Net Zero by 2030 recognising the unequal impacts of climate change on our communities who pay the highest costs for climate adaptation. I would urge the government to reconsider its approach to airports and climate change.
My thanks to all residents who took part in the planning inquiry process and helped to highlight the harm that the airport’s application will now have lives of our communities.
Read the Mayor's first statement.
