Leighton Buzzard Society object to London Luton Airport’s bid for increased passenger numbers and relaxation of noise conditions

Only a few days remain before the consultation period for comments ends to vary five conditions on a planning application that London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLA) was granted in 2014.

The reason for the change is because of higher than expected growth in flights reached by 2019, and the breaches in noise conditions.

Leighton Buzzard only experiences around 30 per cent of incoming and outgoing flights but the deputy chairman and transport officer for the Leighton Buzzard Society, John Sharp has voiced his concerns.

He said: “The applicant should be invited to do this when a better understanding has been reached of the longevity of the pandemic and a better acceptance of the future pattern of UK aviation has emerged.

“For the airport to request a relaxing of noise limitations because the newer generation of quieter aircraft have not materialised at the previously anticipated rate seems entirely wrong. It will subject more people living in the areas where the noise restrictions apply to negative impact on their health. Additionally if these varied noise limitations are breached more people outwith the noise controlled areas will be adversely affected.”

The Leighton Buzzard Society is also unhappy over the apparent lack of provisions for the needs of disabled passengers and travel plans to the terminal area.

LLA said its planning application was following the required process as set out in planning law.

A spokesman for LLA said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the UK aviation sector, wiping out more than 20 years of passenger growth in a matter of months. By submitting this application now, we are preparing the airport for future success and creating reassurance for the thousands of people and the many local businesses who rely on us through the supply chain.

“While we are focused on our short term survival it’s imperative that we take steps now to ensure LLA is in the best possible position to recover and play its part in the local and national recovery.

“Our application, which does not require any physical change to the airport, sets out how we will make best use of the existing site and includes a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment. Any future growth will be in line with our Responsible Business Strategy. We encourage residents, businesses and users of the airport to have their say on the plans, which are publicly available on the local authority’s planning portal.”

To have your say on the application visit https://planning.luton.gov.uk/online-applications/ and enter the reference number 21/00031/VARCON. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, February 17.

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