BIRMINGHAM Airport will now have more night flights – despite an outcry from residents and other Councils.
Solihull Council has agreed to increase the cap on the number of night flight that can leave the airport between 11.30pm and 6am.
Previously, only five per cent of the airport’s flights were allowed to be at night.
Now 7.2 per cent of the airport’s of the airport’s total air traffic movement will be able to go ahead during these hours.
The airport previously stated increased night flying was necessary to continue its growth and deliver benefits to the economy.
At the planning meeting there were a number of representations heard from Hampton In Arden Residents, Parish Councils and others, including some from outside of the borough, opposing the plans
They said the increase night flights would impact mental and physical health and would increase air and noise pollution in their communities.
Birmingham Airport said that independent noise survey were carried out as part of the consultation process and they found the average night noise wouldn’t increase.
Solihull Council’s planning committee said despite the many objections from neighbouring residents “no adverse impacts have been identified which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the significant benefits.”
On social media after the meeting Coun Tony Dicicco said: “I represented the Meriden Ward at the Solihull Council Planning Committee this evening on a Planning Application on Night Flying at Birmingham Airport. I objected to this application as it would see a significant increase in night flights which is unacceptable. There was a long debate and unfortunately, Committee members voted to approve the proposed increase. But, the fight goes on – increased flights are not compatible with the UK’s climate change objectives.”
