A statement in response to the decision to increase flight activity at London City Airport.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council, writes:
"The Council’s administration is very disappointed at the government’s decision to increase the passenger cap and number of flights at London City Airport.
"This decision comes despite our strong opposition and lobbying efforts against the expansion.
"Havering Council has consistently opposed the proposed expansion plans, first objecting to the London City Airport public consultation plans, over the summer of 2022 and then formerly objecting to the planning application that was submitted to the London Borough of Newham in 2023.
"The Council strongly objected to the proposals including the increase in aircraft movements in the first half hour of the airports operation and the proposed reduction in the 24 hour weekend closure period.
"We made these objections because it was considered that the increase in flights associated with the proposals would have a significant negative impact on our borough, in particular to residents’ quality of life, noise levels and disturbance, and local air quality.
"When the matter was referred to the Planning Inspectorate (following Newham’s initial refusal), the Council again made representations that the application should be refused.
"Indeed, Havering was part of a consortium of seven London boroughs that submitted a joint representation to the Planning Inspectorate stating that Newham’s decision to refuse planning permission was supported.
"While we are disappointed with the latest outcome, we are pleased that the government has maintained the 24-hour curfew.
"This is a testament to the power of our collective voice and the importance of our lobbying efforts. It demonstrates that when we stand together as a community, we can influence decisions that affect our lives.
"Moving forward, we will continue to engage with the relevant bodies and raise our concerns about increased aircraft movements over the borough at every opportunity."