Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Acknowledged
Airspace modernisation likely to expand flight paths and increase noise impact
Conclusion
We understand the need for the Government to modernise the airspace around the UK, particularly if this will minimise the queuing of planes at airports and reduce the time planes spend circling before they can land. However, this work is likely to expand the area covered by flight paths and thereby increase the number of people directly impacted by noise from flying. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)
Government Response Summary
The government details its ANPS review for Heathrow expansion, stating that its four tests, including climate, air quality, and noise, will be considered. It commits to consultations on any ANPS amendments and associated environmental assessments by summer 2026, and to engaging the Climate Change Committee on consistency with net zero.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
the Government will meet carbon budgets 4–6 while driving growth. The Government will legislate for the Carbon Budget 7 target by June 2026. As part of the ANPS review, DfT is considering how the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion should be set, including on climate, air quality and noise. The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution. Alongside these areas, the Government are reviewing other environmental policies in the designated ANPS, including biodiversity and ecological conservation and climate change adaptation. The review is considering changes in legislation, policy and data since the ANPS was designated in 2018. 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. Any amendments to the ANPS and associated assessments will be subject to consultation in summer 2026 and will be subject to the parliamentary scrutiny requirements set out under the Planning Act 2008. The Government has also committed to engaging the Climate Change Committee on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework as part of the ANPS review, and on 25 November, the Secretary of State for Transport wrote to the Chair of the Committee to set out how she would like to do this. This letter has been published on GOV.UK.