London City Airport has announced it plans to appeal against Newham Council’s decision to refuse its application to increase passenger numbers and extend its opening hours.
The airport submitted plans in December 2022 to raise its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million, introduce more morning flights, and allow flights on Saturday afternoons.
But the application was unanimously rejected by councillors on Monday afternoon over noise pollution fears.
In a statement relased on Tuesday, the airport said: “This was the wrong decision and did not properly balance the limited impacts with the very significant benefits of the proposals, particularly in the context of Government policy, including making best-use of existing runway capacity.”
Chief Executive Robert Sinclair, said: “We are disappointed with Newham Council’s refusal of our proposals that will deliver significant benefits to our local community – including new jobs, more choice of holiday destinations for passengers and better local transport connections.
“We have worked incredibly hard to develop proposals that genuinely reflect concerns raised, sought feedback from our local community and worked closely with the Council’s planning officers. Their views are built into our proposals to ensure that we addressed appropriate concerns and continue to be a good neighbour and local employer.”
“If the appeal can be determined shortly, our airlines will be able to progress refleeting to cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft sooner; delivering more choice for passengers, more jobs for local people and reducing the overall noise impact as early as next summer.”
Under a decades-long curfew, flights are not allowed from 12.30pm Saturday to 12.30pm Sunday to provide respite for nearby residents.
But in its rejected application, London City Airport sought to extend its operating hours on Saturdays to allow take-offs and landings until 6.30pm, and wanted to add three additional early morning flights on weekdays.
It proposed that only “cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft” would be allowed to fly in these extended periods.
It added that the proposals would create an extra 4,500 additional jobs across London, and boost London’s economy by as much as £702m, as well as “enhance connectivity and passenger choice” by allowing airlines to serve new routes.
But councillors from Newham Council’s Strategic Development Committee rejected the proposals after hearing the introduction of extra flights would “result in a materially new and substantial harm” through noise pollution.
Objectors also raised concerns about increased carbon emissions.
Among those speaking in opposition, Cllr Nate Higgins of the Green Party said the airport was a “blight on residents” and said it should be closed, not expanded.
“There is so much potential for this area but it is being held back by a polluting airport which is causing misery for residents and is used by so few,” he said.
“Instead, we’re discussing an expansion which will exacerbate disruption and affect residents who are already unhappy about noise pollution caused by the airport.
“This proposal will only add to their grievances, replacing much needed respite on Saturdays with further disturbance.”
Nine neighbouring councils and four MPs for surrounding areas had also opposed the proposals.
The application will now be referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for a final decision in what is called a Stage 2 referral.
Lloyd Johnson, Chairman of Newham Chamber of Commerce, was among those backing the proposal, which he said would “bring more business, jobs and investment to Newham, supporting the ongoing regeneration of the Royal Docks and helping level-up Newham with additional economic activity.”
John Dickie, Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, also endorsed the plan, saying: “City Airport is an important part of the aviation network that keeps London – and the UK – connected to the global economy.
“We must continue to enhance our links with the rest of the world in the face of strong international competition for talent, investment, and tourism.”
Meanwhile Tom Stoddart, CEO of British Airways CityFlyer, said: “The proposals will improve choice and connections for our customers, as well as create considerable employment opportunities and support economic growth in local areas.”
Newham Council said: “The refusal reflects the council’s continued concerns over the noise and environmental impact of the airport on those living nearby. These concerns were shared by a number of other boroughs who also submitted objections to the proposals.
“The application will now be referred to the GLA. The [Strategic Development] Committee’s decision upholds the recommendation made by planning officers who assessed these environmental considerations against London City Airport’s case for the proposal, which emphasised its economic benefits.”
