London Southend Airport announces Independent Community Noise Forum

July 21, 2021

London Southend Airport announces its new Independent Community Noise Forum (London Southend Airport Community Noise Forum - LSACNF).

In 2021, the airport will:

• Appoint a new, independent Chair
• Consult with local residents about the new forum
• Establish the new forum following consultation

The LSACNF will be established to create and maintain an impartial pathway for local communities to engage with the airport, and to increase trust, transparency and clarity on noise issues associated with London Southend Airport.

The airport is very aware of the impact that aircraft noise in particular has on local people. By creating the LSACNF, including representatives from the local community, and appointing an independent chair to lead the meetings, it aims to identify actionable solutions and make genuine progress.

The Section 106 agreement outlines a number of planning conditions agreed when the runway was extended, and since its inception, performance has been measured to ensure all conditions are adhered to. This is a crucial document in relation to noise outlining targets such as the night-time operations quota, of which 71% was utilised in the last reporting period. Whist there has been a reduction in the number of residents submitting noise related complaints, the airport is launching the Community Noise Forum to identify opportunities and solutions as part of its commitment as a responsible neighbour.

The LSACNF is designed to hear and engage with local concerns, seeking resolution. It is not limited to aircraft noise and will provide an open forum to discuss any noise related issues. The independent chair will lead the meetings with a clear agenda to seek improvements, identify positives to remain and discuss any areas of concern. The position is currently being advertised and the airport encourages application.

Glyn Jones, CEO of London Southend Airport, “The airport delivers clear social and economic benefits to our communities, but we are well aware that its operation also causes concern to some of our neighbours. We are keen to address this to the greatest extent possible. Whilst aircraft will make noise, we hope the LSACNF can work with us to identify opportunities and solutions.”

To register your interest in joining the Community Noise Forum please email LSA.NoiseManager@southendairport.com with your name, address and reasons for wanting to be a member. The aim is to ensure representation from all SS0 – SS9 postcodes.

Details of the airports Connecting Communities Commitment are available via www.southendairport.com