Kings Langley MP Sir Mike Penning spoke in a debate in Parliament yesterday and called for expansion plans at Luton Airport to be curbed until previous promises on noise are kept.
Speaking in a debate led by Hitchin and Harpenden MP, Bim Afolami, Sir Mike told MPs that the airport had lost the trust of residents. He said:
“Promises have been made so many times in the past, and they have never been fulfilled. [Residents] were given categorical promises that as the growth took place, noise mitigation would also take place, and that has not happened.”
Speaking after the debate Sir Mike said:
“Local residents are very concerned that the airport is owned by Luton Borough Council who are also the local planning authority. The noise impact is not felt by Luton residents, it is felt by local rural communities in Hertfordshire and in some areas of Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.
“Bim Afolami, St Albans MP Anne Main, and I all made it clear to the Transport Minister that expansion cannot be allowed to go ahead until promises on noise have been kept.
“Whilst we all appreciate the convenience and benefit to the local economy of having an airport nearby, I am reliably informed that a lot more could be done to mitigate the noise levels and reduce the impact on the lives of local residents.”
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