Local residents not consulted on London City Airport expansion plans
13.01.08
Thousands of locals living directly under the approach flight path into London City Airport are not being consulted over plans to increase the air traffic, according to press reports. Residents on the Isle of Dogs are not being asked for their views the proposal to increase the number of landings and take-offs at the runway in the former Royal Docks from 80,000 to 120,000 a year - even though their neighbours in Canning Town are being consulted.
London City Airport has submitted a planning application to increase flights from 80,000 to 120,000 a year. This could mean nearly four million passengers flying in and out of the docklands airport, compared to the current 2.5 million. The airport says there is no need for new terminal buildings or an additional runway to accommodate the increase, and that its operating hours will be unaffected.
However, Tower Hamlets council, which covers the Isle of Dogs, will not be asking for residents' opinions. Instead, the council has sent its views to neighbouring Newham council, which is the planning authority responsible for the airport.
Tower Hamlets councillor Peter Golds, who represents Blackwall and Cubitt Town on the Isle of Dogs, has questioned this and has called for a full public consultation. He said: 'It's ridiculous that residents in Tower Hamlets are not being consulted. People are seriously affected by this proposal. Planes bank over the area and cause disturbance. This affects thousands of people and they should be consulted.
Tower Hamlets letter to Newham expressed concern 'regarding an increase in aircraft noise from additional flights over Newham, Tower Hamlets and other parts of London.'
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