To consider the manner in which the Borough responds to the ‘CAA consultation on amendments to the airspace change proposal process’.

https://consultations.caa.co.uk/policy-development/proposals-for-revised-airspace-change-process/consult_view

Chris Nash, Community Protection Principal, informed the Forum Members that the consultation document circulated concerns a two-step process, by which the CAA is reviewing the way in which airspace is managed.

Chris Nash explained the following points:

·         It follows an independent review of CAA process by Helios in 2015 which identified some key improvement themes, including:

o   The need to adopt a more hands-on approach to regulation

o   Greater need for transparency

o   Better rationale behind decision making (including safety)

o   Greater community engagement

·         The first round before us sets out the principles the CAA believe will address these themes, with the more detailed info to be consulted upon next year.

·         For those not too familiar with airspace and how it is managed – we are talking here of ‘controlled airspace’ – that between 4,000 and 7,000 ft as set out in the governments previous white paper and Aviation Policy Framework. These documents set out that the CAA and airspace users need to balance noise, air quality and safety at these altitudes when designing traffic movements.

·         It is also worth noting that the outcome of this consultation will also be heavily influenced by the potential future role of an independent aviation noise authority (IANA), as set out by Sir Howard Davies Airports Commission. It is expected that further details regarding this will come to light post-decision.

·         Another important consideration is the role of the Aviation Policy Framework (last revised in 2013) – which it is understood that the DfT will be reviewing at some stage this year, probably post-decision. This is important due to this document setting out the way in which air traffic should be managed above 7,000ft – which is of great importance to residents who it can be argued have become much more attuned to ATMs above this altitude.

·         Finally – it is also important to note that this consultation does not relate to the NPRs, which are set out by the Secretary of State.

·         The consultation itself has a closing date of 15^th June via the CAA’s citizens portal. It is structured by way of 40 questions, by which comments can be applied.

·         Cllr Hilton has produced a very detail personal response that covers many of the aspects fundamental to the Ascot and Sunnings communities & I would be keen for this forum to respond to the CAA incorporating both this response and other positions under a RBWM banner.

·         Essentially the principles proposed are to change from a 7 stage current process, with what can be an indefinite period of further consultation & appeal following this - to an expanded 7 stage process with the inclusion of 4 decision making gateways, during which consultation and a decision should occur. The idea behind this broadly is to add more certainty into the process, whilst abiding by the key themes for improvement as identified by Helios.

·         After reading the detail within the consultation document, the proposals do appear to make sense and can (if used correctly) bring about a positive benefit to the airspace change process.

·         This is however dependent on both the level and form of public engagement permitted – whether in the form of an independently chaired meeting or by written consultation.

·         A key factor is also how the airspace change sponsor actually considers representations made and the manner in which they respond to any queries and concerns raised. Furthermore, perhaps most importantly, is that the issue of appeal is not properly addressed from what I can see – with most of the language seemingly based around appeal of process rather than consideration of a schemes merits.

ACTION: Chris Nash to produce a draft response, taking on board any comments (such as Cllr Hilton’s personal response made) from the Aviation Forum in the next two weeks. This will then be circulated to elected members for approval prior to submission to the CAA within two/three weeks..

ACTION: Chris Nash to draft a letter to the DfT setting out the shortcomings of the CAA consultation in isolation & that primarily there needs to be a revision of the APF prior to such a consultation going ahead. Chris Nash to circulate this to elected members by end of June for approval.