Residents fearing rises in noise and air pollution have protested at the High Court over plans for an "extremely large" increase in the number of flights at a busy city airport.
Their lawyers are asking judges to rule the key decision to permit the increase in the number of take-offs and landings at London City Airport was so legally flawed that it must be quashed.
Nathalie Lieven QC, appearing for the residents, said: "There is no doubt there will be a significant impact on people living around the airport, particularly in terms of noise."
Ms Lieven accused Newham Council of "erring in law" by failing to consider the effect of the increase on the Government's policy on climate change.
The council had also failed to consult neighbouring boroughs and their residents before varying planning permission to allow the increase.
Ms Lieven told Lord Justice Pill and Mr Justice Roderick Evans the effect of the consent was to allow an increase of flights of up to approximately 100% on any particular day, and about 60% annually.
In broad terms, the number of flights from the airport, which was in a densely-populated part of London, would increase from between 70,000 and 80,000 to 120,000 each year.
Outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, members of the "Fight the Flights" campaign protested, arguing that noise pollution levels which were already almost unbearable would become intolerable.
Anne-Marie Griffin, chair of the campaign, said: "Noise and air pollution from the airport have been getting worse as the years have gone by, and any further extension of flights will make it worse still. It means people cannot have their windows open, shift workers cannot sleep during the day and it is difficult to work from home."
London City has released an economic impact assessment it says shows the benefits of increasing the number of flights to 120,000 a year, and claims that the airport contributes more than £500 million a year to the economy.
No comments:
Post a Comment