SASIG response to the Airports Commission consultation on shortlisted options for a new runway
The above report is SASIG’s response to the Airports Commission’s consultation on their shortlisted options for a new runway.
SASIG agrees that any development at either site will have wide ranging economic benefits. These benefits are likely to lead to widespread social and demographic change in the areas for expansion. SASIG would like to see more information about how the increased demands on social infrastructure and surface access transportation arising from expansion will be met.
SASIG is sceptical of the claims made in the proposals of all short listed schemes that there will be no overall increase in the noise burden suffered as a result of any expansion – given that each scheme would see an increase in aircraft movements at each site. We believe that more rigorous noise abatement measures to meet the specific needs of local communities should be imposed on the schemes to protect the well-being of local communities.
SASIG agrees with the need for economic growth which underlies The Commission’s work. However we wish to see better substantiated forecasts of jobs derived as a result of any expansion (along with the demand for new housing at both sites, both as a result of economic growth and residents being forced to relocate). The wide range in the forecasts for each option makes assessment of impact difficult.
Further to this SASIG would wish to see fuller assessment of the: prosperity of the area around any airport not selected for expansion; safety and risk along with the assessment of what The Commission regards as ‘qualitative’ such as the social environment, e.g. health and community.
SASIG has questions about the impact of forecast CO2 emissions generally within its analysis and its relationship to climate change. Based on our reading of the Commission’s analysis in its ‘Strategic Fit Forecasts’ we are concerned as to how any of the options can help the UK to attain its C02 emissions target as currently defined – keeping 2050 UK aviation CO2 emissions to no more than 37.5 Mt. Further to this SASIG has specific questions of the differences between The Commission’s ‘carbon traded’ and ‘no carbon price’ forecasts analysis.
SASIG would like to take this opportunity to restate its position with regards the weighting of the appraisal of specific topics (as defined by The Commission’s 16 appraisal modules). SASIG is concerned how comparisons of the schemes are to be achieved and the clarity with which a final decision on any expansion is to be presented.
SASIG welcomes the approach to ‘Quality of Life’ (QoL) analysis made by The Commission, however we believe that the analysis using data not gathered specifically for the purposes of appraising the schemes is incomplete and by definition not fit for purpose. We recommend that further detailed public health assessments be made at each of the sites in time for the final report using tools with a broader public health perspective.
SASIG has made its position clear to The Commission on previous occasions with regards the need for an holistic economic assessment of the impacts of aviation and a comprehensive social cost benefit analysis. SASIG directs The Commission back to these documents – the importance of which