Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to aircraft noise nuisance, which communities will receive compensation and noise insulation as a result of the third runway at Heathrow airport; and on what criteria that decision was based.

The Airports National Policy Statement sets an expectation that, in addition to controlling and reducing aircraft noise impacts, an applicant for development consent for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport will be required to commit appropriate resources to mitigate the impacts of aircraft through noise insulation programmes for both private homes and public buildings.

It notes that Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) has publicly committed, following third party assessments, to provide full acoustic insulation for residential property within the full single mode easterly and westerly 60dB LAeq (16hr) noise contour of an expanded airport; and to provide a contribution of up to £3,000 for acoustic insulation for residential properties within the full single mode easterly and westerly 57dB LAeq (16hr) or the full 55dB Lden noise contours of an expanded airport, whichever is the bigger. In addition, HAL has committed to deliver a programme of noise insulation and ventilation for schools and community buildings within the 60dB LAeq (16hr) contour.

The geographical areas that the scheme could cover is dependent on flight paths for an expanded Heathrow Airport. Preparations for the airspace change process are complex and will take some years to work through.

In considering the case for expansion the Department commissioned a review of strategies adopted by international airports to mitigate the impact of airports on residents. In considering the scheme proposed by HAL the review found the schemes to be comparable to those on offer in other countries.