Article from BTNews 19 DECEMBER 2016
"Unlikely alliance" on noise
The Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN) joined the airport last week in what Heathrow itself labelled an unlikely alliance to back the case for an Independent Aviation Noise Authority (IANA).
In a letter to transport secretary Chris Grayling, Heathrow and HACAN expressed their joint support for the body, which will be charged with overseeing efforts to reduce aircraft noise in communities around the airport. An IANA was proposed by the Airports Commission in its final report and the government has since said it supports it, with a consultation on its role and scope to follow in the new year.
Heathrow and HACAN say they share the view that the body’s roles should be to provide an impartial source of expert advice on noise, co-ordinate independent research, adjudicate on noise complaints and ensure communities have access to information about noise and how airports are managing it.
HACAN chairman John Stewart said: “It’s well-known we don’t agree with Heathrow on everything, but on this issue we are speaking with one voice. A strong, independent noise authority can bring reassurance to local communities but can also encourage airports to take their noise responsibilities seriously.”
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