Southend Airport is spearheading a new community forum led by and independent leader to “increase trust, transparency and clarity” over aircraft noise.
Bosses at the airport say they are “well aware” of the impact of noise on residents in Southend.
It now intends to consult with residents over plans for a new community noise forum with an independent chair to “identify actionable solutions” and make “genuine progress”.
The move follows complaints from residents on the flight path over aircraft noise, driven in recent times by night flights at the airport.
A recent report revealed noise complaints have doubled in the last year despite a decrease in flights during the Covid pandemic.
The airport says the new noise forum is designed to hear and engage with people’s concerns, seeking resolution.
A spokesman said: “It is not limited to aircraft noise and will provide an open forum to discuss any noise-related issues.
“The independent chair will lead the meetings with a clear agenda to seek improvements, identify positives to remain and discuss any areas of concern.
“The position is currently being advertised and the airport encourages applications.”
The airport is bound by a Section 106 legal agreement outlining a series of planning conditions agreed when the runway was extended.
Bosses say since that point, “performance has been measured” to ensure all conditions are met.
The spokesman added: “This is a crucial document in relation to noise outlining targets such as the night-time operations quota, of which 71 per cent was utilised in the last reporting period.
“Whilst there has been a reduction in the number of residents submitting noise related complaints, the airport is launching the community noise forum to identify opportunities and solutions as part of its commitment as a responsible neighbour.”
Glyn Jones, chief executive of London Southend Airport, “The airport delivers clear social and economic benefits to our communities, but we are well aware that its operation also causes concern to some of our neighbours. We are keen to address this to the greatest extent possible.
“Whilst aircraft will make noise, we hope the community noise forum can work with us to identify opportunities and solutions.”
Article originally appeared on Basildon Canvey Southend Echo.
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