Residents concerned over runway extension
18.01.08
Residents living near Birmingham Airport say that planes could be coming into land just 400ft above their houses, if plans for the runway extension are approved. Research carried out by a community group in Hampton-in-Arden suggests planes will be flying about 150ft lower than they do now, subjecting residents to extra noise. However, the airport says that the planes will only be 70ft lower.
After scrapping plans for a second runway last year, Birmingham Airport has submitted plans to extend the existing runway by 405 metres at its south end. This will allow the airport to handle long haul flights to more destinations, including cities in Asia and on the West Coast of America, as planes will be able to take off with more fuel on board.
However Graham Juniper, chairman of Hampton-in-Arden Society, said the prospect of low flying aircraft was 'very worrying' and the society would seek assurances from the airport about minimising noise pollution. He said: 'When the runway is longer, aircraft will be coming in much lower, in fact too low for comfort.'
His concerns were echoed by the chairman of Hampton Parish Council, Malcolm James, who said the extended runway would bring the flight path much closer to the village. He said that he also wanted planes taking off to continue what is known as 'The Hampton Turn', making a 19 degree right turn when they have gained sufficient height, to minimise noise for the village.
However, a spokesperson for the airport said: 'Based on our calculations, planes will be approximately 70ft lower on the 3 degree approach path. This means that when passing the most populated parts of Hampton, aircraft which currently are at about 1000ft will be approximately 930ft.'
The runway extension plans can be viewed on Solihull Council's website at www.solihull.gov. uk/planningservices/15089.htm. Comments can be registered online. The closing date for comments is February 22.
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