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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Bournemouth airport is well within its noise quote count, which would give it room to increase night flights if it wanted to.
There has been some concern about Bournemouth airport's current Noise Action Plan.
The Noise Action Plan which is currently being looked at does not specifically propose any extra night flights. The main problem is the Quote Count Limit, which is effectively a noise cap. This was reaffirmed by Christchurch Council at 3100 only last year, however the airport operates at only 820.
Bournemouth's quota of 3100 is substantially higher than that in place at Bristol airport, which has over 6 times as many passengers, and thus would allow room for many more flights. This is what has caused the concern.
I have been following this issue for some time and met with the Chief Executive of Bournemouth Airport and the Head of Government and Industry Affairs for Manchester Airports Groups Regional Airports in early August. I also spoke at a recent area committee meeting for Broadstone, Merley and Bearwood when the Chief Executive of Bournemouth Airport and other officials were questioned by local residents concerned about this issue.
The Noise Action Plan does differentiate between the impact of noise during the day and night flights, with night flights counting for more of the quota, although the potential for expansion is still there. One point for concern is that the airport deal with "averages" as far as noise is concerned; this does not take into account the range of noise levels. A short, loud noise could have a big impact but then be averaged out to a lower figure. This would be a particular problem at night.
At present it is expected that there will be at least one less night flight next year from Bournemouth, but nothing is concrete. I hope that the petition and other actions will put a marker down, clearly signifying our strong concern about a future increase in night flights.
Annette Brooke MP