In a letter to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling Heathrow Airport and HACAN set out their joint support for an Independent Aviation Noise Authority (IANA) to oversee efforts to reduce aircraft noise in communities around Heathrow.
The establishment of a noise authority was first proposed by the Airports Commission in its final report and the Government has since said it supports the introduction of the IANA with a consultation on its role and scope to follow in the new year.
The two organisations share the view that the IANA’s main roles should be to provide an impartial source of expert advice on noise, coordinate independent research, adjudicate on noise complaints that can’t be managed locally and ensure that communities have access to information about noise and how airports are managing issues.
John Stewart, Chair of HACAN, said: “It is well-known we don’t agree with Heathrow on everything but on this issue we are speaking with one voice. A strong, independent noise authority can bring reassurance to local communities but can also encourage airports to take their noise responsibilities seriously.”
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s Chief Executive, said: “We want to be a good neighbour, and reduce the impact of aircraft noise on our local communities – something on which we agree with HACAN. An independent aviation noise authority has an important role to play in building trust that we are meeting our commitments.”
