Independent oversight needed for communities living under flight paths

CPRE London has joined 21 national community and environmental organisations in signing a letter delivered by hand to No 10 Downing Street, warning that proposed aviation reforms could remove residents’ access to a fair, independent review of airspace change decisions.

The letter, addressed to the Rt Hon Andy Burnham, raises concerns about the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill [HL], which campaigners say would give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) extensive new rule-making powers while weakening the ability of communities to challenge decisions that affect homes, schools, health, wellbeing and daily life.

Without an independent route of appeal, the CAA could remain decision-maker, regulator and final arbiter on airspace changes that may alter flight paths and noise patterns over communities with no external scrutiny.

The letter calls on the Prime Minister and Parliament to support an amendment establishing an independent aviation ombudsman to oversee the airspace change process and provide residents with a transparent, credible and accessible right of appeal outside the CAA.

The Bill is expected to proceed through further parliamentary stages following its passage through the House of Lords. CPRE London hopes MPs from across the political spectrum will support an amendment creating an independent aviation ombudsman.