Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Deferred
Publish noise and biodiversity impact assessments for airspace modernisation, and expand mitigation
Recommendation
The Government must publish an impact assessment of its airspace modernisation work in regard to how it will change noise impacts as well as publish a map which allows people to see where the noise of aircraft is likely to exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended levels. Where this work introduces noise pollution to new areas, the Government must expand its mitigation work including the requirement of industry funding for measures to decrease the impact on the population who live in the areas affected, such as improved sound insulation. This should be done alongside publication of the updated ANPS so that it can inform scrutiny of the Government’s proposals. We also express concern about the impact on biodiversity. The Government should undertake an impact assessment on the impact on biodiversity and put mitigations in place. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61) 44
Government Response Summary
The government defers to an ongoing ANPS review which will consider relevant changes and be subject to consultation by summer 2026. Specific impact assessments, maps, and mitigation expansion will be part of future DCO applications, rather than being committed to by the government directly.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As set out in response to recommendation 13, the ANPS review will consider relevant changes that have taken place since 2018, including those relating to climate and environmental targets. Any amendments to the ANPS and associated assessments will be subject to consultation by summer 2026 under the parliamentary scrutiny process requirements set out under the Planning Act 2008. The ANPS provides the primary basis for decision making on applications for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, but it does not provide the development consent the project would require in order to proceed. Following the completion of the ANPS review, any applicant will need to submit a DCO application demonstrating that its proposal can meet the requirements of the ANPS and other relevant legislation. The DCO process involves rigorous examination and opportunities for local community and interested parties to express their view on the proposed development. 14