Agenda item

That

1.  It be noted that Biggin Hill Airport Ltd (BHAL) submitted additional documentation by the deadline of 30 June 2022 in response to the information requested by the Executive in January 2022.

2.  It be noted that with the additional evidence provided, BHAL has completed its review of the Noise Action Plan (NAP) though one of the ongoing commitments under the NAP for BHAL to progress the implementation of Runway 03 is yet to be achieved.

3.  It be noted that BHAL is dependent on Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation to progress Runway 03 and a decision is expected later this year, by December 2022.

4.  It be noted that the Leader and the Chief Executive have written to the Council’s three directly affected Members of Parliament encouraging them to write to the relevant Minister with oversight for CAA, urging them to ensure that the promised timely decision is delivered. 

5.  It be noted that the outcome of the CAA decision on Runway 03 will be significant in determining the next steps following the review of the NAP.

6.  It be agreed that in the light of the above officers should bring a further report in January 2023.

In summer 2021, five years after the signing of the Deed of Variation on their lease with the Council, Biggin Hill Airport Ltd (BHAL) submitted a Noise Action Plan review. As the review was to be carried out “in association” with London Borough of Bromley, the Council could approve it or request alterations. At the Executive Committee meeting on 12 January 2022, the Council requested further information from Biggin Hill Airport. The Airport had submitted new information in response to this request.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management introduced the item and explained that the report had been scrutinised by the Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee at its meeting on 18 October 2022 and the Committee had proposed the following amendment to recommendation 2.6:

To agree that in the light of the above officers should bring a further report in January 2023. once CAA decision is made, when the Executive can consider the impact of the decision of the CAA on Runway 03. 

The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management underlined that the packed public gallery at the meeting of Executive Resources and Contracts PDS Committee on 18 October was a testament to the level of public interest and the importance of this issue to residents.  The Portfolio Holder thanked all the residents that had engaged with their local councillors on this matter and it was noted that many residents had undertaken a great deal of research to support the representations submitted.

The Executive noted that there had been a direct view from Members of the Executive Resources and Contracts PDS Committee that key longer-term decisions were required in January 2023 and it was hoped that the CAA would have taken its decision on Runway 03 by then.

The Leader reported that he and the Chief Executive had sent a letter to the three MPs representing the wards directly affected by the Airport encouraging them to write to the relevant Minister with oversight for CAA, urging them to ensure that the promised timely decision was delivered.  Recognising that the Airport affected all residents of the Borough to a greater or lesser extent, the Leader noted that should the MP for Lewisham West and Penge wish to send such a letter it would be greatly appreciated.

RESOLVED: That

1.  It be noted that Biggin Hill Airport Ltd (BHAL) submitted additional documentation by the deadline of 30 June 2022 in response to the information requested by the Executive in January 2022.

2.  It be noted that with the additional evidence provided, BHAL has completed its review of the Noise Action Plan (NAP) though one of the ongoing commitments under the NAP for BHAL to progress the implementation of Runway 03 is yet to be achieved.

3.  It be noted that BHAL is dependent on Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation to progress Runway 03 and a decision is expected later this year, by December 2022.

4.  It be noted that the Leader and the Chief Executive have written to the Council’s three directly affected Members of Parliament encouraging them to write to the relevant Minister with oversight for CAA, urging them to ensure that the promised timely decision is delivered. 

5.  It be noted that the outcome of the CAA decision on Runway 03 will be significant in determining the next steps following the review of the NAP.

6.  It be agreed that in the light of the above Officers should bring a further report in January 2023.