Council lodges strong objection to Farnborough Airport proposals
East Hampshire District Council has said proposals to increase the number of flights from Farnborough Airport will impact our quality of life, local economy and the environment.
The council has strongly objected to plans that would more than double the number of flights on weekends and holidays.
- EHDC statement - Farnborough airport (pdf 76 kb)
A response to the Farnborough Airport 2040 Consultation, submitted by Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, describes the serious impact more flights could have on residents, businesses and the environment.
Climate and environment
The proposals conflict with the council’s Climate and Environment Strategy 2020 – 2025.
The council has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2035 and also plans to work with others to reduce the carbon footprint of the district.
The impacts of aviation are well documented, and the council believes that increasing the quantity of flights will have a detrimental effect on the environment and undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Noise and pollution impact
The current proposals pose a massive increase in impact on East Hampshire settlements from increased overflying.
This especially affects Whitehill & Bordon, Alton, Liphook, Petersfield and surrounding areas.
It is predicted that the greatest change in noise impact will be experienced at weekends and public holidays, with proposals to more than double the number of flights at these times.
Economic impact
East Hampshire’s tourist economy is largely based on its outstanding natural beauty. With so much of the district within the South Downs National Park, the area’s tranquillity is a highly attractive attribute for visitors.
A network of hotels, B&Bs and pubs, accounting for around 3,000 local jobs, rely on the district’s reputation for tranquillity and beauty. The noise generated by an increasing number of lower flights will threaten those businesses which are already struggling to recover from the Covid 19 pandemic.