LBA design options, public meeting feedback.

I recently took proposals for the now ‘failed’ ACP to public engagement meetings to gather local support for preferred options as the current departure route from runway 32 overflies large swathes of Burley in Wharfedale and Menston, noise adversely affecting many residents on the ground.

A new set of proposals have already been pushed out to stakeholders. This has presumably taken place because the ACP ‘failed’ the last CAA gateway and further work was necessary for the process to continue.

We have several questions about new proposals, however, in the first instance we would like to understand why the previous preferred options have been abandoned?

Unfortunately, meetings with residents of Burley in Wharfedale and Menston have not moved at the same pace as the airport on this issue, however, I would draw your attention to the fact that all options need to be considered at the next stage, otherwise the process may be in contravention of the CAP 1616 procedure should the previous ‘preferred ‘ options not be taken forward to a formal assessment.

I presented and had engaged with residents of Burley in Wharfedale and Menston to consider tabled options from the first ACP. Meeting took place on 2 separate dates; both were well attended. All options were presented and considered, however, there was a clear preference for options 32SEF and 32SEG. Everyone was allowed a free choice of design options and were allowed to support or object to any tabled options in favour of the status-quo.

Signatories indicated overwhelming support for design option 32SEF and we would like this to be taken through to the next stage alongside new proposals. There were no objections to, or support for alternative options.

Having thoroughly examined proposal 32SEF, we believe that:

1. The turn to the east gives the ability for the flights to be deconflicted from the Manchester flights to the west and allows for a more continuous climb, which delivers a net benefit. We believe that it is likely that the Enroute ATC provider NATS will look to have this routing as it reduces ATC workload/intervention to the west of LBA. Although a military presence remains in that airspace, in theory can be out ruled by consideration of benefits.
2. The straight-ahead route will increase the airspace’s that will need to be expanded to the north to accommodate the route. Airspace Change Proposals will look at the net increase or decrease of those overflown or disturbed. Residents believe that this new route will affect fewer people under the flightpath. Independent verification of the numbers will be needed as paper of the resubmission.
3. Some people living in Otley will remain affected, however, aircraft are unable to adhere to the centre line of current departure route, this affects a significant proportion of Burley in Wharfedale and Menton residents. Option 32SEF will eliminate all but a few of those currently affected.
4. Flying the proposed 32SEF route will affect fewer people on the ground. Continuous climb and descent operations allow aircraft to follow a flexible, optimum flight path that delivers major environmental and economic benefits – reduced fuel burn, gaseous emissions, noise and fuel costs – without any adverse effect on safety. It will also simplify the otherwise complex to fly departure route.

298 residents have signed our petition over the past few weeks. Their names and addresses are attached to this email. Email addresses and mobile/home phone numbers have been withheld to comply to GDPR.

Row 29 of the table appears to be an objection, however, it’s a vote of support with additional comment attached.

I look forward to a prompt response on behalf of residents.

Yours faithfully,

Bob Felstead on behalf of the attached signatories.

Cllr Felstead, good afternoon

Thank you for your email.

To answer your main point simply, other than one wildly inappropriate option, no other options have been abandoned. Option 32SEF remains part of the process.

Following the current round of stakeholder engagement, an initial options appraisal will be carried out, where some options, based on feed back and other reasons may be discounted. The process requires us to ‘tell the story’ of how we have made the decisions that we have.

At LBA we’re doing our absolute best to ensure that whatever the final outcome of the CAP1616 process, it will aim to benefit as many stakeholders as possible. However, as I’m sure you’ll also understand, all stakeholders want what is best for themselves, which obviously makes the initial options appraisal and the process overall slightly more laborious.

That said, whilst we understand the desire to carry out the public engagement sessions, they were done prior to this round of stakeholder engagement, where the information may not have been aligned with what we are discussing currently.

Please be rest assured that your feedback is noted and we look forward to your completion of the survey we sent out. The opinions and enthusiasm of your ‘constituents’ will be welcomed at Stage 3 when we carry out public consultation, where LBA will be represented at any engagement sessions, providing information in an open and transparent manner.

Best

Jamie