To receive verbal updates regarding key developments from the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group (SASIG), Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee (HAAC) and Local Authority Aircraft Noise Council (LAANC).

HACC

Cllr Beer informed members that changes to HACC’s setup had been proposed in a verbal presentation at the last meeting by Heathrow’s Director of Community Relations, and that feedback on the proposals within three weeks of the meeting had been requested. Cllr Beer stated that many present at the meeting were of the opinion that the proposals would lead to a reduction in community involvement, and that three weeks was not a long enough timeframe to formulate a response as many member organisations would not meet within that period. It had therefore been agreed to have a three-month period to formulate responses, and that the proposals would be circulated in a written report.

The Chairman added that a Community Engagement Board of HACC members had also been proposed, and that members were lobbying for those appointed to the Board to be allowed to take part in negotiating the planning process for the proposed new runway. HACC members were in agreement that the Board needed to be set up as soon as possible. The Chairman stated that the Board would be set up as it was a requirement set out by the Government. He added that he would ask for a place on the Community Engagement Board.

Cllr Hilton spoke about the Community Noise Forum, stating that monitoring exercises showed that aircraft were flying lower and the Forum had asked for larger aircraft to take off at a higher angle. Noise monitoring was to continue in a number of locations. Cllr Hilton explained that the CAA had stated that a higher angle of climb would lead to aircraft noise affecting a larger number of people; however this had been disputed by the Community Noise Forum.

LAANC

Cllr Beer informed members that the most recent meeting had been attended by the CAA’s Community Relations Manager. Cllr Beer stated his belief that he was a useful person to have at the LAANC meetings. The Chairman requested that he be invited to attend a future meeting of the Aviation Forum. Cllr Beer also stated that representatives from Elmbridge Borough Council and the Englefield Green Action Group had recently joined LAANC.

SASIG

Members were informed that there were no updates in relation to SASIG. Cllr Beer stated his belief that the group looked in general terms at national airspace strategy and did not take into account local issues from community groups.

Members were invited to raise any other matters. The Chairman stated that he would be attending the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum on September 14^th.

Cllr Beer raised the topic of the Stop the Third Runway Coalition, stating that several members were already involved with it but that he would like to see the group promoted more within the Royal Borough. Cllr Beer informed members that 16 organisations were involved in the Coalition; this included four groups based outside the M25 and included groups from Englefield Green and near Windsor. He added that the group had raised awareness of the impact of Heathrow expansion on Maidenhead at the Maidenhead Festival, in addition to national publicity campaigns.

Members were informed that the Parliamentary vote on the third runway was now likely to take place at some point within the first six months of 2018.