Maps published today (Wednesday) by countryside campaigners CPRE{1} show how the tranquillity of the countryside could be shattered by forecast growth in air traffic{2}.  In a new publication, Flying to Distraction, CPRE highlights how within 30 years, over 600,000 people and over 2,000km2, including large areas of currently tranquil  countryside could be seriously affected by noise.

For the first time, the Government's options for expansion have been analysed for their implications for future flight paths{3} and holding 'stacks' (used to regulate planes landing). The publication draws on research undertaken for CPRE by respected consultants TRL.

Key conclusions from the research include:

• 606,000 people - the equivalent to twice the population of Coventry would be 'seriously affected'{4} by noise by 2030;  
• an area the size of Cheshire would be seriously affected by aviation noise by 2030{5}, much of it tranquil countryside;
• three new holding 'stacks' over rural areas would be required, probably near Chelmsford, Ashford, and in the Midlands;
• more planes overhead - there will be a significant increase in the frequency of flights, with some flight paths seeing more than 60 planes an hour;
• noise reaching new areas - an entirely new flight path along the east coast of England may be needed which could include flying over the North Yorkshire Moors National Park; and
• countryside fears - the way the Government measures noise is ill-suited to assessing its impact on rural areas and under-estimates its effects{6}.

Paul Hamblin, CPRE's Head of Transport Policy, said:

'The problems of disturbance immediately around airports are well known - but our research shows that fewer and fewer areas will be immune from the effects of noise.  Rather than runaway runways and noise filled skies the Government should put demand management policies at the heart of its Air Transport White Paper.

'CPRE is calling on the Government to end the unfair tax exemptions to the airline industry which fuel excessive growth, and ensure that the polluters pay for the environmental and social damage which we all bear.  The Government's own modelling shows that future air travel could then be accommodated by existing airports, without the need for hugely damaging expansion plans{7}.  This should be combined with investment in high speed electric rail alternatives for domestic and short haul flights.

'The quality of life of over half a million people now lie in the hands of the Secretary of State for Transport.  They will be hoping he doesn't pander to the well-resourced special pleading of an industry pushing for expansion.'

Paul Hamblin concluded:

'Decisions made this year over future air transport will have a profound effect on the ability to protect a defining characteristic of the countryside - its tranquillity.  A failure to do this will make us all the poorer.'

The Government's consultation exercise into air transport capacity closes on 30 June 2003 and CPRE is encouraging people to send their comments to the Department for Transport and to their local MP{8}.  An Air Transport White Paper is promised by the Government for the end of the year.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. We promote positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside and to ensure change values its natural and built environment. Our Patron is Her Majesty The Queen. We have 59,000 supporters, a branch in every county, nine regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national office in central London. CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning. Our President is Sir Max Hastings.

2. The Government's National Air Traffic Forecasts predict an increase in passenger numbers from 180m passengers per annum in 2000, to 500m in 2030.

3. The leaflet, Flying to Distraction, is based on research commissioned by CPRE and undertaken by consultants TRL.  They were asked to examine the Government's forecasts for future air travel and, using official consultation documents and their best professional judgement, examine the implications for future flight paths and holding stacks (used to regulate the flow of planes coming in to land).  They then examined what this would mean in terms of exposure to noise.  A copy of the full report, Aviation, Noise and the Countryside, is available from CPRE Publications (price £50). 

4. The term 'seriously affected' combines those who would find the noise levels of an 'unacceptable level' or who would in the words of TRL be 'very much bothered' by it.

5. Cheshire is 2,081 sq km, the area seriously affected by noise by 2030 would be 2,090 sq km.

6. The Government uses a measure for noise which calculates an average over a given period of time.  Expressed as d(B)A, the Government believes that 57 d(B)A is the threshold for community annoyance.  This is much higher (ie. noisier) than the 50 d(B)A recommended by the World Health Organisation.  The Government's assessments are also based on research undertaken in an urban context where noise is already a problem.  It does not address sufficiently the impact on more tranquil environments, of significant increases in exposure to noise over time, or of the actual effect of peaks and troughs in noise experienced by people as aircraft fly overhead.        

7. CPRE, Friends of the Earth and the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) asked the Department for Transport to re-run their computer model - SPASM - using alternative assumptions.  By charging aviation fuel at the same rate as motorists, ending VAT exemptions, and then abolishing Air Passenger Duty in 2020, the forecasts reduced from 500 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 315 mppa.  This is a level which can be accommodated within existing airport infrastructure.

8. Those wishing to submit comments to the Government's consultation should write to: Department for Transport, Zone 1/28c Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, FREEPOST LON 17806, London SW1P 4YS.  Your MP can be contacted via the House of Commons, London SW1A 1AA.