Article from BTNews 17 JULY 2017
Airport noise initiative
Hundreds of homeowners around Heathrow Airport are to be given the chance to upgrade the noise insulation in their houses free following the launch by the airport of a Quieter Homes Scheme for those most affected by aircraft noise.
The offer follows a successful pilot programme launched in 2014 in three zones around the airport which were chosen according to the level of noise from the overflying aircraft.
A total of 708 homes – in addition to the 474 already fitted with soundproofing during the pilot scheme – will now be eligible to apply. As well as 100% of the costs, residents will be offered a wider range of products and a choice of suppliers.
Heathrow sustainability director Matt Gorman said: “Our noise insulation programmes are an essential part of our efforts to become a better, quieter neighbour.
“That is why, in addition to incentivising airlines to use the quietest planes and operate them as quietly as possible, we are re-opening the Quieter Homes Scheme to help the people and communities around us to improve their quality of life.”
The airport will be rolling out further programmes under the scheme as part of delivering on its third runway commitment to provide £700m of noise insulation covering 160,000 homes.
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David Starkie, United Kingdom
This is not a new initiative. The first Heathrow scheme was April 1966 when 60,000 homes were eligible for sound insulation grants with a few receiving 100% subsidy. The numbers quoted here for upgrading is only a small proportion of those treated under the 1966 scheme.