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 AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
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.
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