East Midlands Airport; Future Growth?

Introduction

Although Nottingham East Midlands International Airport (NEMA) lies in the North West Leicestershire constituency, I am acutely aware of its environmental and economic impact on the people of my Loughborough constituency. As a local Quorn resident I am very aware of aircraft flying directly over my own house so I do declare a personal interest! It does, of course, also offer economic and business development opportunities and travel convenience to many constituents at the same time. So I take a deep interest in any development associated with NEMA. In doing so I am pleased to work with David Taylor, MP for NW Leicestershire on this issue.

Airport Master Plan 2006

Following extensive public consultation the Airport Master Plan was published in December 2006. A link to a copy of the plan is below. I look forward to hearing comments from local constituents on the balance between growth and the environmental impact.

useful links

Future Growth of East Midlands Aiport (2003)

Clearly one of the most important issues facing the airport and the surrounding villages is the Government's consultation on the future growth of airport capacity in the UK over the next 30 years. As a major regional airport it is obvious that there will be a major impact on the local area if East Midlands is to take any of the projected increased capacity. The debate in the Midlands has been about which, if any airport needs to expand to cater for the projected growth levels. I would urge people to read the document, even though the period for formal consultation has now passed. A White Paper setting out the options will probably be produced in late 2003 or early 2004.

The consultation has arisen because of the need for any government to take into consideration the long term policy implications of the projected continued growth of air passengers numbers. In the past there has been a failure in government to look at the long term implications of such growth. I know there are genuine questions about the figures in the consultation document and I too personally feel that they over estimate the growth required. However, this forms part of the consultation process - an open and honest debate. Indeed there are mid and lower range predictions made in the document. The document itself says this is a worse case scenario, but nobody had predicted the growth of the last 30 years and it is surely best to set out the widest range of assessments. If they didn't people would be moaning that their approach was too cautious. I personally believe that the highest growth figures are a gross overestimate and that the mid to lower range figures are more realistic and desirable.

I am interested to hear the views of all residents about this situation. Many constituents are currently affected by the airport, many work there and thousands use it every year for holiday and business travel as well as receiving goods delivered through the freight facilities. As a local MP I am interested in balancing these competing demands. Of course the gut reaction is to say 'no' to any further expansion as set out in the consultation, because of the environmental impact on our area. That is why I would like to hear a wide range of views. To date I have had both sides of the argument put to me very forcefully! It is certainly an issue that generates much passion.

My own view is that the projected air traffic growth itself is unrealistic, and even if it is accurate it is not desirable. We need to look at better ways of managing potential growth and offering more environmentally friendly transport methods, in particular for short haul flights.

Unfortunately, East Midlands is an attractive place to expand from a planners' point of view because fewer people are affected by its expansion than most other reasonably sized regional airports, with relatively good transport infrastructure. This is of course no comfort to those of us affected by the flights to now that we are fewer in number than say Birmingham or Rugby. The alternatives of Birmingham and a new Rugby airport have competing claims although I note the strength of opposition to a new Rugby airport. I argue that a major expansion ie a second runway and its associated affects are a step too far for this area to take. Therefore, my own position is - no expansion with a second runway, no further extension of night flights (indeed workable restrictions need to be introduced), manage potential growth of aviation in the same ways as other form of transport and end some of the tax advantages given to aviation travel.

I have been a consistent champion of local residents views in my numerous meetings with the management at East Midlands Airport over the last 5 years and continue to raise concerns on a regular basis. At the end of the day the airport exists to allow flights, and planes are not quiet objects. The airport is a business, set up to deliver a service and make money. If we accept that flight now constitutes a part of our lives the question is about how we manage it and its impact on us.

There are practical steps the airport, pilots and manufacturers can take to improve and lower the impact of the airport on the local community. Indeed existing measures have been of some benefit already, but more needs to be done.

Updated July 2003

Night Flights

The issue of night flights is a little more complex and one that causes a great deal of anxiety.

Historically East Midlands Airport was not 'designated' like other major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick for night time restrictions. Like many other local and smaller airports and aerodromes it was not felt necessary. However, over the years major companies have invested heavily in the airport as a major cargo destination. The location of East Midlands is ideal for logistics - right at the heart of the country with excellent communication links on the M1 and M42 to other parts of the country.

In recent years, as air traffic has grown, there have been local campaigns to have East Midlands designated and restrictions on night flights imposed. It was always difficult to see that the Secretary of State could impose these restrictions retrospectively in view of the investment that had taken place. It was right therefore, that the Minister insisted on local agreement to be reached by the interested parties - local residents, the NW Leicestershire District Council, the Airport authorities and the Freight companies.

I know this has still not produced a satisfactory outcome for everybody concerned, but it needs hard work and a great deal of commitment from all parties to achieve a satisfactory solution.

In addition a recent Court case has been pursued by residents at Heathrow about the Human Rights aspects of night flights.

Currently the High Court has ruled that the residents' rights have not been breached by the designation policies, because obviously this human right has to be balanced by the other rights to work, and economic activity. As with all human activity there are consequences and competing demands. This decision obviously has an impact on East Midlands Airport.

Updated July 2003

Other FAQs

Q - They are not Real Jobs - they are just handling freight!

Perhaps you should tell that to the people who work at the airport. It probably feels like a proper job when the salary arrives to pay the mortgage.

Q - Flights from East Midlands just export leisure jobs!

There is no doubt that people fly abroad on holidays. But I am not sure what people are therefore suggesting. We ban people from enjoying foreign holidays and then ban people visiting the UK in return. This country receives over 90 million visitors a year. Yes people want to fly abroad for holidays, but they wouldn't all stay at home and spend their money locally if we banned them flying!

Airport Thoughts - November 2001

As East Midlands Airport becomes ever more successful there are bound to be tensions with the local communities which surround the area. I declare an interest as a resident of Quorn, that I have experienced the growth in aircraft traffic over the years. It is certainly not as bad in Quorn as other parts of my Loughborough constituency, but I will aim to approach this issue with a balanced view!

Over the 4 years as the MP for Loughborough I have maintained a healthy relationship with the management of the airport so that I am able to raise concerns in a constructive manner. The airport is here to stay and it is our job as the local community to manage the impact of its consequences on our local quality of life, whilst balancing the economic impact and job creation caused by its growth. I think it is now impossible to totally restrict night flights at the airport retrospectively, because of the enormous investment put into infrastructure on the basis of the current regulations and framework. However, a positive way forward needs to be found.

The management of the airport can act in a responsible manner to maintain a number of key aspects - approach and landing routes, training flight restrictions and not increasing night flight operations. All of these are legitimate concerns of local residents.

I have recently asked a series of Parliamentary Questions and met the new Managing Director. There is nothing they can do to satisfy everybody, but I am convinced the individuals concerned at the airport are aware of their environmental impact and act responsibly when dealing with complaints. I am always happy to hear of complaints - which should be addressed to the Managing Director at the airport.