Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Airports National Policy Statement inadequate in accounting for aircraft noise pollution
Conclusion
The Airports National Policy Statement fails to account for noise pollution. Whilst improvements have been seen in reducing the level of noise made by individual flights, more must be done to minimise the impact on those who live under and around flight paths. (Conclusion, Paragraph 58)
Government Response Summary
The government stated its policy to mitigate aviation noise and noted that the DfT is considering noise impacts and mitigations as part of an ongoing Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) review, with any amendments subject to consultation in summer 2026.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government’s policy is to mitigate the impact of aviation noise as much as is practicable and realistic to do – limiting, and where possible reducing, its total adverse impacts on health and quality of life. The Government sets noise controls at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. At other airports, appropriate noise controls are set locally through the planning system. As part of the ANPS review, DfT is considering how the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion, including for noise, should be set. The review is considering changes in legislation, policy and data since the ANPS was designated in 2018, including the most up-to-date evidence on the noise impacts of aviation. The mitigations for noise impacts will be determined as part of the review process, and if any amendments are made to the existing ANPS, they will be subject to consultation in summer 2026. As set out in response to Recommendation 3, the Government is also reviewing, and updating as necessary, the existing Appraisal of Sustainability, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Health Impact Analysis, and Equalities Impact Analysis, in line with any amendments made to the ANPS. These assessments also consider noise impacts, and include mitigations and proposed monitoring, and will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS. As noted above, any promoter would need to demonstrate how a scheme complies with the requirements set in the ANPS as part of its DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.