Issue - meetings

Report DRR15/035

The Special Council meeting had been called to consider a proposal from Biggin Hill Airport Limited (BHAL) to vary the operating hours at the airport. Lawyers acting on behalf of BHAL wrote to the Council on 5th November 2014 proposing that the airport’s operating hours be varied pursuant to the terms of the Lease.

The Mayor explained that for legal reasons the Council’s Executive would be making the final decision on the matter. The Executive would meet immediately following the Special Council meeting. Report DRR15/035 sought a decision on whether the proposals should be supported or rejected. Executive Members at the Council meeting would be able to hear views expressed and any recommendations made; Council would therefore inform the Executive in its decision making. 

The Mayor indicated that Members of the Executive had been advised that they may take part in the debate but it would be advisable for them to refrain from voting during the Council meeting.

The Mayor asked the Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Executive, Councillor Stephen Carr, if he wished to speak before opening up debate.

Councillor Carr explained that the Council meeting had been called to allow Executive Members to listen to the views of Council Members. The outcome from Council was not binding and Councillor Carr acknowledged that the topic was particularly emotive. From the outset he emphasised his total respect for the views of Members and for the views of those who had responded to the Council’s public consultation. It was nevertheless important for the authority as a public body to respond to BHAL’s application reasonably and in a timely manner and to fulfil its duty to all borough residents.  

Councillor Carr took the opportunity to comment on matters included in a number of frequently asked questions received in previous weeks.

The public had been consulted recognising the Council’s commitment to residents to do so. Councillor Carr also contrasted BHAL’s current application with two previous BHAL applications in advance of the 2012 Olympics. The first, in November 2010, requesting fare paying passengers, was rejected. The second in 2011, to vary operating hours over the period of the Olympics, came with no commitment to an ongoing Noise Management Package or other mitigation. With the current application was the capability, at the airport’s expense, to be able to monitor flight path noise and potential infringements of the lease. There was also now every possibility of the VOR beacon being relocated to provide further mitigation and benefit to local residents.

Councillor Carr also highlighted that Members of the majority group on the Council had been given a free vote on the issue.

Following comments from Councillor Carr the matter was opened up for debate. Councillor Nicholas Bennett moved the following Motion which was seconded by Councillor Peter Fortune:

“That subject to agreement from the airport to all concessions, conditions, and obligations which can reasonably be required in consideration for agreeing a variation to the operating criteria in the third schedule to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83