Following the decision by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to retain changes to Gatwick Airport’s departure Route 4, Crispin Blunt and local community groups affected by aircraft noise under this route have been pressing Gatwick Airport to review the route.

In particular, Crispin Blunt asked Gatwick to commit to undertakings they have made to the CAA to investigate options to mitigate aircraft noise disturbance affecting overflown communities.

This week the Gatwick Noise Management Board will agree a Work Plan which includes projects to be delivered by an external consultancy, TRAX, on behalf of Gatwick Airport. TRAX will report on issues on both Route 3 and Route 4 departures which affect noise impacts in the Reigate constituency. In line with the recommendations of the CAA Route 4 Post Implementation Review the work will look at whether planes can gain a higher altitude more quickly and whether multiple routes could be used for Route 4 westerly departures, thereby permitting respite and/or dispersion for affected residents.

Crispin Blunt MP welcomes this initiative:

“I am encouraged that Gatwick Airport has taken seriously the concerns of local communities affected by continuous aircraft noise from Gatwick departures. The appointment of TRAX should help inform the changes needed to achieve greater dispersal on one of the busiest departure routes in the country. The first objective will be to identify which other aircraft routes impact or limit the operation of departures on Routes 3 and 4, including altitude restrictions and options for aircraft reaching higher altitude sooner. The second objective will be to create a feasibility and options study which explores the capacity to deliver multiple route options for Route 4.

“It is reassuring that Gatwick has already commenced work to investigate noise mitigation options. This cannot take place soon enough for constituents affected by unremitting aircraft noise pollution. I will be monitoring progress with interest and discussing this issue in more detail with Gatwick Airport on 15th September when I meet the Head of Airspace Strategy and Engagement. It’s better for the airport to be undertaking this kind of effort to restore good relations with its local communities than pursuing redundant plans for a new runway.”