Peace overhead for National Parks?  

18 September 2009

The Campaign for National Parks is today calling on the Department for Transport (DfT) to accept the recommendation of the Transport Select Committee to restrict noise levels and the number of flights permitted over National Parks and other sensitive areas. 

The recommendation comes after an extensive inquiry into the use of UK airspace, in which the Committee recognised the importance of protecting National Parks and noted the critical role of tranquillity in defining what makes these areas special.

“We are delighted that the Committee has proposed a sensible solution to this issue”, said Alex Thursby of CNP.  “For too long, aviation policy has allowed decisions to be made about the use of airspace over National Parks without proper regard for the significant, negative impact that aircraft can have on the setting below.”

As recently as 2008, the Civil Aviation Authority gave the go-ahead to extend flights over the New Forest National Park despite a strong body of objectors raising serious concerns about the way the decision was made and its impact on the protected landscape below.  The Committee’s recommendation to set a maximum limit on noise and aircraft numbers over such areas would help to stop potentially damaging decisions like this one from happening again.

“National Parks are places of great beauty that have been protected for the peaceful enjoyment of everyone”, Alex continued.  “Clearly, allowing busy aerial highways overhead destroys that.”

“We look to the DfT to accept the recommendation in full and urgently prioritise the important work that lies ahead in determining what would be an appropriate limit.  In doing so, the department must involve National Park Authorities, communities and all those with an interest in protecting the Parks – not just the aviation industry.”

Notes to editors
1. CNP campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.
2. National Parks have two statutory purposes:
• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks; and
• To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks.
A wide range of public bodies, including the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority, must take the two purposes into consideration when making decisions that could affect the National Parks.
3. The Government has confirmed that National Parks have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty and there is a presumption against major developments, such as new roads, taking place within these areas (Planning Policy Statement 7, paras 21-23).
4. The Transport Select Committee published The use of airspace (Fifth report of session 2008-09) on Friday 10 July 2009 – a summary of conclusions begins on p25 (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmtran/163/163.pdf).
5. More information about the Transport Select Committee is available on its website (http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/transport_committee.cfm).

Contact:
Alex Thursby, Senior Policy Officer       
T: 020 7924 4077 ext 232          
E: alex@cnp.org.uk

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222