The National Trust sets position on air and noise pollution from flights to and from Stansted in the light of the potential damage to the ancient Hatfield Forest.
Concluding the public enquiry into BAA’s proposed expansion to Stansted Airport, the focus of the National Trust’s closing statement today concentrates on noise, air quality and nature conservation issues that could severely affect the future of Hatfield Forest if expansion to Stansted airport is approved.
Summing up its evidence at the four month public enquiry into Stansted airport expansion, the National Trust asks for conditions to limit the noise of air traffic over the ancient Hatfield Forest, located close by, if BAA wins the appeal and expansion goes ahead.
If this were the case, the Trust proposes that BAA restricts the number of flights coming in and going out of Stansted airport between certain hours during the day. It’s hoped that this condition will protect the amenity and tranquillity currently enjoyed by Hatfield Forest. The National Trust has concerns that a significant increase in daily flights over the Forest would lead to the permanent and unacceptable loss of the remaining peaceful periods within the Forest.
The Trust additionally sets important obligations relating to air quality effects of an increased number of flights on the nature conservation of Hatfield Forest; urging a constant monitoring of air quality, particularly nitrogen dioxide levels.
Summing up the National Trust’s position to the proposed expansion of Stansted airport, Keith Turner, The National Trust’s Area Manager for Suffolk and Essex, says:
'We hope that evidence put to the Inquiry will lead the Inspector to recommend refusal of an increase in the number of flights at Stansted. However if he is minded to recommend approval to the Secretary of State, then we have asked for conditions to be imposed which will help mitigate some of the worst impacts of the increasing noise nuisance.
We also ask that air quality levels are fully monitored so that action can be taken to ensure that unique flora and fauna of Hatfield Forest will survive for at least another 1000 years.'
The result of the public enquiry is expected in the New Year.
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