Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Deferred
Airport expansion plans based on outdated ANPS, inconsistent with current government objectives.
Conclusion
We are concerned that airport expansion plans will have been produced prior to the publication of a new ANPS which ought to be in place to provide the airports with strategic guidance. We are also deeply concerned that, given a number of airport expansions will have been approved prior to the update (such as Gatwick), the Government is relying on an outdated policy framework which is inconsistent with its objectives and that airport expansion plans will have been based on that outdated framework. (Conclusion, Paragraph 34)
Government Response Summary
The government deflects from the concern about airport expansion plans being approved under an outdated policy framework by stating that it is reviewing and updating environmental assessments like the Appraisal of Sustainability and Habitats Regulations Assessment, which will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As set out in previous responses, the Government is also reviewing, and updating as necessary, the existing Appraisal of Sustainability and Habitats Regulations Assessment, in line with any amendments made to the ANPS. These assessments consider the impacts on biodiversity and will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS.