Draft Master Plan
Nottingham East Midlands Airport (NEMA) has announced its plans for its future development for the period up to 2030. UK aviation is set to grow over the next 20-30 years to meet the needs of the travelling public, of business and of the UK economy. The Master Plan explains NEMA's role, now and in the future in helping to achieve national, regional, local community and individual objectives.
In December 2003, the Government published its policy for UK airports in a White Paper entitled “The Future of Air Transport”. The policy stated that air travel is essential to the UK economy and to the country’s continuing prosperity. The Government expects operators of larger airports to draw up a ‘Master Plan’ setting out how they intend to implement Government policy. However, before the final Plan is published, a draft version has been made available for public consultation. The final version of the Master Plan will be produced after consideration of all the views and comments received during the three month consultation period, and is expected to be published later this year.
As it is becoming increasingly apparent that flights add to our carbon emissions I personally believe it is time to look at the future growth rates again. Whilst i don't want to unduly damage our local economic prospects we do need to find a proper balance between economic growth, our environmental considerations and the continual problem of night flights (which need capping). I personally believe the master plan and the government papers due not get the balance right and favour too much the continued growth of aircraft movements from NEMA.
The proposals for the new flight paths outlined above have caused a stir locally, and especially in parts of the County previously without flights.
As one can see from the area covered by my Loughborough constituency the picture is mixed. Some parts, including the town of Loughborough and Hathern will be winners, whilst other smaller villages like Walton and Burton will be worse off.
I have maintained a constant battle on behalf of constituents in Parliament and with my discussions with airport bosses over the years.
Following the publication of the Aviation White Paper I have called for the following:-
* a clear definition of what is meant by stringent noise controls (aviation white paper) I have called for this in the Commons and on meetings with NEMA and the Minister.
* the master plan to be completed and agreed as quickly a possible, after widespread consultation.
* an effective method of monitoring and controlling the growth of NEMA, particularly at night. I want NW Leics to be given central government support to enable it to carry out this duty on behalf of the region. If this fails the Government will have to step in and designate the airport and control it centrally.
Report of Meeting with NEMA - 14th December 2004