URGENT – Consultation on Application for Luton Airport expansion closes 6 September

INFORMATION from RELAS: There are two issues that are threatening our region from Luton Airport's applications. Please encourage your residents to action them both asap: A) Closing on 11 September, feedback to Civil Aviation Authority(CAA) about the airspace change(Ad6) B) Closing on 6 September, comments via email to Inspectorate who is consulting public before approval of the Expansion of Luton Airport Planning Application Below is information supplied by RELLAS group for Item B) RELAS Guide Urgent: Submit Your Feedback on Luton Airport Expansion DCO Planning Application You have only until September 6th, 2024, to submit your feedback on the critical issues surrounding Luton Airport's proposed expansion and airspace changes. This is your chance to influence decisions that will impact our communities for years to come. Important Links and Submission Details • Details on the latest stage of the process can be found here: national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020001 • Feedback must be submitted via email to: lutonairport@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Why You Should Act Now We strongly believe that the two major issues currently under review—the AD6 Airspace Design Consultation and the DCO Planning Application for Luton Airport expansion—are closely linked. However, the regulatory bodies responsible for these matters have different roles: • The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) handles airspace safety and compliance with aviation rules. • The Planning Inspectorate oversees infrastructure planning, including expansion proposals like Luton’s. Despite their separate remits, it is clear that airspace and infrastructure cannot be considered in isolation. No expansion should proceed until the AD6 airspace design is proven safe and effective. Key Concerns: 1. Timing of the Consultation The timing of this consultation, taking place during the peak holiday season, is highly problematic. It limits the ability of residents, representatives, and politicians to provide meaningful input. 2. Misaligned Deadlines There is a troubling mismatch in deadlines: • September 6, 2024: Deadline for the DCO Planning Application. • September 11, 2024: Deadline for feedback on the AD6 Airspace Design Consultation. This raises serious concerns about whether decisions on infrastructure will be made before the airspace design has been fully evaluated, potentially compromising safety and the process's integrity. 3. Poor Performance Metrics Eurocontrol data already identifies Luton as the worst-performing London airport in terms of noise pollution and environmental impact. Approving further expansion under these conditions is irresponsible unless substantial improvements are made. 4. Impact on Local Communities Residents in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Bedfordshire have reported severe disruption due to the current AD6 airspace design. These issues must be resolved before any expansion is considered. 5. Tactical Airspace Behaviors There is growing concern over the tactical behaviors observed in Luton’s airspace, with flights occurring at all hours, often just minutes apart. No increase in arrivals should be approved until Luton Airport complies with the AD6 consultation standards. 6. Infrastructure and Airspace Are Inseparable While the Planning Inspectorate and the CAA may claim to have distinct roles, the truth is that Luton’s expansion plans cannot be considered in isolation from the airspace issues. The airspace must be safe, effective, and fit for purpose before any infrastructure decisions are made. Call to Action: We urge the Planning Inspectorate to review the RELAS report (RELAS_AD6_Stage_7_Common_Submission_version_1.0), which has already been submitted to the CAA as part of the AD6 consultation. This report provides critical evidence of the problems caused by the current airspace design, as well as detailed recommendations for improvement. The Planning Inspectorate must hold Luton Airport accountable for addressing these concerns before any infrastructure approvals are granted. Submit Your Feedback by September 6th This is your last opportunity to ensure that both the airspace and infrastructure are safe and suitable for our communities. Your voice matters—let’s make sure it’s heard. • Email your feedback to: lutonairport@planninginspectorate.gov.uk • Deadline: September 6th, 2024