Sunday, February 07, 2010

Mayor's Question Time On London City Airport


Mayor answers to London

London City Airport

[Main question]

Question number0236/2010
Meeting date27/01/2010

Question by John Biggs

What, if any, work is the GLA, including functional bodies, doing on the environmental impact of London City Airport?

Answer by Boris Johnson

The environmental impacts of London City Airport are clearly an issue of concern for local people, highlighted during my recent public question time in Ilford.

The only environmental impact work I’m aware of that has been undertaken by the GLA and its functional bodies relates to potential noise impacts arising from the proposed expansion of the airport on the LDA’s nearby landholdings.

I am aware that the planning permission relating to the proposed expansion, which Newham determined, and which I have no powers of direction over, has been challenged. I understand Newham are awaiting a decision from the high court as to whether the current permission can proceed.

I support the view that the CAA should consult the residents of east London when undertaking the 12 month review required following the implementation of airspace design changes and the associated changes to flight paths affecting departures from London City airport.


London City Airport

Question by Murad Qureshi

Why did you not see fit to intervene on the expansion of City Airport?

Answer by Boris Johnson

I have no planning powers in respect of the airport’s ambition to expand its operations to 120,000 flights a year. However, after considering the economic and environmental information submitted with the planning application made by the airport to Newham Council in 2007 and clarifying any potential impact of the proposed expansion on the Thames Gateway Bridge, I decided that Newham Council was best placed to determine the application itself.