Finningley Parish Council

Newsletter October 2008

UPDATE ON PEEL AIRPORT PROPOSALS TO INCREASE NIGHT FLYING AT RHA

The parish council is aware that Peel Airports are proposing to apply to DMBC to increase the allowable noise level for night flights. The current planning permission bans aircraft rated higher than QC2 to take-off between 1 1.00 pm and 7.00 am. Peel Holdings claim that this puts Robin Hood Airport at a disadvantage compared to other local airports, particularly in attracting the new business necessary to guarantee continuing economic viability. It is our understanding that they are seeking to increase their night flying permission to allow aircraft rated QC4 (twice the QC2 noise level) to land and take off between 1 1.00 pm and 7.00 am. If this permission is granted by DMBC, Peel claim that they will then be able to compete with other regional airports for freight (cargo) and other business that use larger and noisier aircraft.

Recently some members of the parish council, along with councillors from other local parishes, met with representatives from Peel Airport to discuss the proposed increase in night time flights. At the meeting. Mr Mike Morton. Director, expressed a desire that Peel Airports are seen as good neighbours and assured those present that they would consult with local residents before submitting a full planning application to DMBC. We understand that Peel Airports were due to share their detailed plans with DMBC in September in a closed meeting and make their formal application possibly in October. At the present time, we have not received the planning application and do not know how many, or how frequently, these aircraft are likely to take off at night, or the traffic implications for the community. Nevertheless, we have written to DMBC requesting the following:

- That DMBC and Peel Airports ensure the relevant information is shared with local councils and residents, so everyone can fully understand the impact of the proposed changes prior to any approval being given;

- That as a condition of the application DMBC ensures proper consultation with local residents, particularly the consultation promised by officers of Peel Holdings at various meetings;

- That DMBC in considering the application gives balanced consideration to the economic
development requirements of the airport and the quality of life of residents in the area of the
facility - this may require some compromise on the original application.

Your parish council only has the power to comment and make observations on any planning
application as the final decision rests entirely with Doncaster Council Planning Committee. We have, together with other local councils expressed our views, particularly that local residents should be informed and involved in the decision making process with something so important. If you wish to express your view at this stage, please contact Planning Department, your three ward councillors or any member of Finningley Parish Council, details as follows:

DMBC Planning

Mr A Gutherson, Group Director of Development & Planning,
Danum House, St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster DN1 1UB
Tel: Doncaster 734876
email: Planning.services@doncaster.gov.uk

Ward Councillors

Cllr Mrs Patricia Schofield, 21 Park Lane, Blaxton DN9 3AT
Tel: 770248
email: Patricia.schofield@doncaster.gov.uk

Cllr Mrs Yvonne Woodcock, 135 Bawtry Road, Bessacarr DN4 7AH
Tel: 536142
email: Yvonne.woodcock@doncaster.gov.uk

Cllr Alan Jones, 38 Spring Lane, Sprotbrough DN5 7QG
Tel: 858075
email: Richard.jones@doncaster.gov.uk

Your parish councillors:

Other useful numbers:

DMBC Community First	736000
South Yorkshire Police	0114 220 2020
Local Police (non urgent)	624826
Airport noise complaints	623623

or email: environmment@robinhoodairport.com

Local MP:
Rt Honourable Caroline Flint, Meteor House, First Avenue, Hayfield Lane, Auckley DN9 3GA.
Tel: 01302 623330, Fax 01302 755099 or email: flintc@parliament.uk