Planning White Paper
GACC had told the Government that we are strongly opposed to all the White Paper
proposals relating to large infrastructure projects.
These proposals, clearly inspired by big business, such as BAA who want to get permission for new runways, would pass decisions to an unelected body, cut down on public debate, and deny environmental organisations the opportunity to question government policies. GACC response.
BAA sabotages people who complain about aircraft noise
BAA has introduced a new computer model called Webtrak which enable members
of the public to follow the track of individual aircraft. GACC warns, however,
that for people with small domestic type computers, downloading the programme
may cause their computer to slow down. See HOW
TO COMPLAIN ABOUT AIRCRAFT NOISE.
Noise from incoming aircraft
GACC has put forward constructive proposals for reducing the disturbance from
incoming aircraft, and has discussed these with the (former) Minister for
Aviation. They are still under consideration by the government. GACC
Proposal.
GACC Study of Gatwick and Climate Change
An important new study of the climate change impact of aircraft using
Gatwick has been undertaken by GACC. It shows that UK citizens on return flights
from Gatwick are responsible for emissions equivalent to more than the total
emissions from all other activities in Surrey and West Sussex.
Short version (also available in printed form, on request)
Full version giving details of calculations, and references for all sources
Competition Commission told 'don't believe all the airlines tell you'
GACC has responded to the consultation by the Competition Commission on whether
the BAA monopoly should be broken up. We told them that the airlines were naive
in suggesting that selling off Gatwick would increase the likelihood of another
runway. GACC
response.
GACC agrees with Tory plans to curb aviation growth
GACC, which is non-political, has responded to the Conservative Party
consultation on aviation and climate change. Broadly speaking we welcome their
proposals. GACC response.
Aviation economics
GACC chairman Brendon Sewill has undertaken a study of the economic case for
airport expansion as presented in the government Progress Report. He has found
that the aviation industry has exerted undue influence on the Department for
Transport. The study is entitled 'Alexander's
Ragtime Band'. For the accompanying music Click
here (courtesy of encyclopedia
titanica).
Noise Insulation
GACC has responded to the consultation by BAA on their latest proposals for
grants for double glazing houses near the airport. In our Response we give the proposals a modest welcome but say that it is sad that
they come 50 years too late, and that they cover too small an area.
The BAA plans can be seen at www.gatwickairport.com/homeinsulation
SE Plan
At the Examination in Public, GACC supported the South East Regional
Assembly in their refusal to include a new runway at Gatwick or Heathrow in the
South East Plan. GACC
Statement.
GACC also expressed scepticism about plans for a new Gatwick sub-region, based on business plans for the 'Gatwick Diamond'. We argued that over the past 50 years the huge success of the planning system has been to concentrate commercial development in the Crawley industrial area so that the airport is surrounded on three sides by unspoilt countryside. GACC opposes any change in planning policy which could lead to the same ugly sprawl as around Heathrow.
OFT proposes break-up of BAA
The OFT has completed its study of BAA and has reached a provisional
conclusion that there are grounds for suspecting that the ownership of the three
main London airports by BAA restricts competition. They are therefore proposing
to refer BAA to the Competition Commission, who will undertake a full
investigation which may take two years. OFT
Report.
It is not known whether Ferrovial would sell off Stansted or Gatwick, or indeed whether they may decide to do so before being compelled. Not is it clear what the effect on the environment would be if Gatwick were to belong to another company.
GACC has sent a response to the OFT, saying that selling off Gatwick would make little difference unless price controls were relaxed, which would mean higher fares - and less climate change damage.
BAA Take-Over
BAA has been purchased by a consortium, ADI, in which Ferrovial has a 64%
share. Ferrovial is 58% owned by the Del Pino family; the chairman is Rafael del
Pino, the second richest man in Spain. So far the take-over has had little
noticeable impact at Gatwick. Nine out of twelve directors of BAA have resigned
and have been replaced by new Spanish directors. The BAA chief executive, Mike
Clasper, has resigned and has been succeeded by Stephen Nelson, who only joined
BAA a year ago: previously he was marketing director for J. Sainsbury. The new
BAA deputy director is Luis Sánchez Salmerón.