Minutes. Monday 13 th January hrs. Putteridge Bury Conference Centre. Members

Transcription

1 Minutes Monday 13 th January hrs. Putteridge Bury Conference Centre Members Mr M Routledge Cllr D Barnard Mrs G Clark Cllr D Collins Cllr A Davis Dr J Davis Cllr M Dolling Cllr Dr R Egan Mr G Gayle Cllr N Glover Cllr D Godfrey Mr J Flashman Cllr G Johns Mrs H Killen Mr M Nidd Cllr A Pawle Mrs C Smart Cllr R Webb Cllr D Williams Chairman Hertfordshire County Council NATS Dacorum Borough Council Buckinghamshire County Council LADACAN Luton Borough Council Central Bedfordshire Council Airport Union Representative Buckinghamshire County Council PAIN (sub) Breachwood Green Society (substitute) Bedfordshire Association of Town & Parish Councils Hertfordshire Association of Parish & Town Councils LLATVCC St Albans District Council Chamber of Commerce BMKALC Hertfordshire County Council Officers Representing Mr C Carter Mr N Thompson Ms W Rousell Ms L Wood Mr P Donovan Miss T Beadman Mr Darl Sweetland Mr M Turner Mr R Hiscock Ms C Danby Mr M Kanda North Herts District Council LLAOL (Operations Director) Luton Borough Council (Planning) Dacorum Borough Council Hertfordshire County Council LLAOL (Environment Manager) Bucks County Council LLAL Officer Aylesbury Vale District Council Officer Stevenage Borough Council Officer St Albans County Council Noise Consultant & Secretariat Mr J Charles Mrs P Harris Bickerdike Allen Partners Committee Administrator 1. Apologies for absence and substitution. ACTION 1.1 Apologies for absence were received from: Mr G Jones - LLAOL (Managing Director) Mr M Bailey - BBGA 2/1

2 Cllr D Bowater Central Bedfordshire Council Cllr J Lloyd - Stevenage Borough Council Sir Beville Stanier - Aylesbury Vale District Council Mr J Dontas LLAOL Airline Service Delivery Manager Mr R Porter LLAL Ms Fiona Mcglone LLAL Mrs K Goodman Airfield Environment Officer Cllr D Taylor Luton Borough Council Cllr M Muir - Vice Chairman - North Hertfordshire District Council Mr T Lee - Airline Operators Mr G Twiss - PAIN Mr S Shearer - Cargo Operators Mr M Nahvi - Central Bedfordshire Council Mrs L Greet Breachwood Green Society Minutes and Matters arising from the LLACC Meeting 14 th October 2013 Members noted the minutes from 14 th October 2013 Item nd para should read LLAOL suggested that they should proceed (not we). Item The Chairman is actively seeking suitable candidates for PSSC Item 4.1 Members made reference to the first sentence and the comment relating to a reduction in night time and early morning activity which was seen as an improvement. However, it was suggested by some members that the main reason for opposing the proposed planning application was the likelihood of increases in departure slots times between and 07.00hrs and was of particular concern. Item Carry forward to the next meeting Item 5.6 The Chairman indicated that if the GHA s were to join the PSSC it would give the opportunity to improve in totality in discussions. Item 6.2 the positive impact of the Busway was acknowledged by members. However, there was still an ongoing concern regarding the new Busway signage, this was noted by LBC. Item 7.0 the Chairman confirmed that the Interim note from Howard Davies regarding the Commission Update was disseminated to members. Item Annual Monitoring Report 2012, LBC advised that the document should be with members within the next couple of weeks. Members were advised that the AMR is one of the new planning conditions and will be required to be produced by May annually. The minutes from 14 th October were agreed Report on Noise & Track Sub Committee 18 th December 2013 Members noted that that the NTSC reporting period was from July to September It was noted from the report that during the RNAV 1 trial aircraft had flown inside the main track and therefore closer to local communities than intended. It was suggest that this needed to be investigated by the airport before moving forward with a revised route. 2/2

3 Members noted that CDA had improved year on year and was currently at 92% compliance for all arrivals, however it was now at a stage where little or no further improvement was likely as weather will always have an impact. CDA achievement at night is an ongoing item for NATS to improve.. The Chairman confirmed that the submission relating to the CAA Air Navigation Guidance had been modified and issued. Members noted the Airport comments on the Noise Action Plan and that the new Action Plan would reflect conditions once the final decision on the Planning Application had been made. The Quarterly report for July to September was reviewed and highlighted that the total passenger numbers increased slightly by 0.2% although the total number of aircraft movements decreased by 4% for the period. The Runway split for the period was 33% easterly and 67% westerly compared to the 15% and 85% for the same period in the previous year The total movements for the night time period were15% less than those of the same period in the previous year. It was recognised by members that although slightly less than the previous year it still needed to be monitored closely. The noise monitor results show that the majority of departures continue to produce noise levels between 70dB(A) and 76dB(A). The total number of departure noise events registering 70dB(A) or above was 115 per day on average, a slight increase of 6 per day when compared to the same period last year. Concern was raised by some LLACC members regarding the accuracy of the noise levels recorded at the noise monitors. It was suggested that the departure noise registered at Breachwood Green is often in excess of 80dB(A) and is a cause of complaint by many residents. LLAOL advised that separate monitoring had taken place at Breachwood Green and that the village was much closer to the airport and will therefore have higher readings than those at the fixed monitors, which are located at a certified distance of 6.5km from start of roll, in line with other major UK airports. Further discussion ensued regarding the impact of noise on the village and residents of Breachwood Green. It was noted that there were no noise violations during the daytime period and one violation during night time hours, which related to a Boeing passenger aircraft. The night contour area fell by 11%, the INM methodology comparison had not been altered, thus enabling comparison between this quarter s results and those for the same quarter last year. Complaints and complainants both increased from 333 last year to 364 and 185 to 196 respectively. Number of events eliciting complaint decreased from 789 to 504. Complaints regarding westerly departures still formed the largest percentage of complaints recorded. It was noted that complaints in some areas (Caddington and Edlesborough) had increased; it was believed that this was due to the higher number of easterly arrivals during the period. An increase in complaints was also seen from 2/3

4 Markyate, Redbourn and St Albans and was due to reverting to the pre RNAV trial route Following discussion regarding the RNAV Departure trial it was suggested by some members that the public consultation should take place as soon as possible. LLAOL advised that following the Stakeholder workshop meeting in November 2013 the draft document was modified and sent to DAP for comment and that they were hoping to go out to consultation by the beginning of February and to have the new route in place by the end of A paper was presented by LADACAN relating to analysis of departure noise levels and altitude at Luton s eastern fixed noise monitor NMT1 in relation particularly to the A320 aircraft and to understand what is causing the differences. The findings were discussed and it was agreed that the study was useful and should be pursued particularly once the new RNAV1 routes are established. It was agreed that more information would be required and to work with airlines, FLOPSC and the Airport Operator to ensure the best departure profile to minimise impact is operated. The Chairman advised that there was some confusion with members whether passengers on business jets were included in annual statistics. LLAOL agreed that they would provide the statistics for General Aviation passengers at the next NTSC meeting. Members referred to an increase of complaints from Edlesborough, Dagnall and Northall and enquired if anything in particular had occurred to warrant the increase. LLAOL indicated that the areas of concern were impacted over the summer with easterly arrivals. Members suggested however that as it was felt that there had been a significant increase in these areas it was suggested that LLAOL carryout further analysis and report back to NTSC. LLAOL reiterated that all complaints complainants and events are recorded. Report on Passenger Services Sub Committee 18 th December 2013 Members noted the report The Chairman informed that there was some lengthy discussion regarding the PRM provision and the contract renewal process which will happen in the near future. Members noted that all Security Staff had undergone a bespoke customer service training course to improve on the way staff interact with the general public travelling though the airport. The course was well received and has had a positive impact on staff. Security queue times were noted as acceptable and members were advised that Luton is expected to have a full body scanner in place by the end of March 2015 as directed by the DfT. Following some concerns regarding images on previous scanners it was not that the image now produced on the new scanner is a generic body shape. Due to the previous concerns it was suggested that an example picture of the image is displayed for passengers using the scanner. The high percentage of eligible passengers using the automated clearance gates was acknowledged by members. 2/4 LLAOL LLAOL

5 Members were advised of a new system for recording passenger satisfaction level went live in January. London Luton Airport Reports The MD s report was noted by members On time performance continues to improve with the annual average sitting at just over 83%. A slight drop was seen in October, this was predominately due to bad weather. Security queues for the period were consistent, in the 90 th percentile were an average of around 14 minutes. A slight increase to 16 minutes was seen around the busier lunch time period. Immigration queues data was noted by members. An average of around 11 minutes in the 90 th percentile and passenger utilisation of the automated clearance gates has increased with a 5% uplift on the previous quarter. Members reviewed the customer feedback correspondence results and noted the high number of complaints against Airlines and Ground Handlers. LLAOL advised on a number of initiatives being carried out with the airlines and ground handler s inkling the monitoring of first and last bag delivery times into the baggage reclaim hall. LLAOL advised that despite the ongoing work within security there are still a high number of complaints, these predominately relate to passengers objecting to the search process. Other areas of complaint relate to the drop-off charges; charging for plastic bags and charging for luggage trolleys. It was noted by members that the free dropoff area in the mid-term car should be better promoted. LLAOL advised that within the development plans they will looking to improve the whole customer experience. It was noted that as part of the Air Transport Forum the desire to encourage passengers onto other forms of transport. LLAOL advised that since the last meeting the airport has been sold to a consortium of Aena and Ardian LLAOL informed that the Noise Action Plan had been reviewed and will be updated further to include the conditions outlined in the planning application once approved. Consultation will take place with LLACC members before the revision is finalised. Members noted the increased route development to Eastern Europe and expressed their concern regarding the danger of more departures in the middle of the night Luton Borough Council Report Members noted the report. LBC informed that 3 Planning Applications being considered, 2 relating to offsite 2/5

6 car parking and 1 for National Express for the retention of change of use to staff car parking, coach parking and preparation with associated ancillary development LBC updated regarding the Airport Planning Application the application was heard over an 8 hour period on the 20 th December It was hoped that all those attending found it informative and that everybody who registered was able to speak voice their views. A letter has now been sent to the National Planning Casework Unit who will now determine if the Secretary of State needs to consider the application further or whether the decision can be made by Luton Borough Council. It was noted that generally the National Planning Casework Unit will advise within a few weeks if they require more time to consider the application and if so will need to give timescales. It was questioned how any official complaints made will affect the decision the Committee were advised that the Monitoring Officer determines the route the complaint will take. It was further noted that Central Bedfordshire Council were one of the authorities that felt that all of the concerns raised had been appropriately dealt with and were comfortable in the way this was carried out. Local plan - The report going to Executive sets out draft plan policies reflected in the Planning Consent. Members were advised that the Surface Access updated includes plans from Central Bedfordshire relating to A5-M1 link Dunstable Northern Bypass and Woodside Link. Members were advised that passenger numbers relating to Luton Dunstable Busway will be available at the next PSSC. It was noted that since completion of the Busway feedback has been nothing but positive and with people living within close proximity to the route commenting on the excellent service it is providing. LBC advised of a Planning Application for a Travel Centre close to the railway Station including a Drivers Rest Area and Cafe is to be built. It is anticipated that work will commence in April. 7.0 DFT Guidelines for Airport Consultative Committees The Chairman referred to the DfT Guidelines and suggested that the Code of Conduct maintains what is carried out locally. The importance however was noted to register a response as a group of Consultative Committees and to this end will be meeting on the 3 rd and 4 th February to draft a collaborative response. The Chairman suggested if there were any particular points members felt needed to be included in the response or if they felt there was anything wrong in terms of the committee s view, to let the Chairman know. LLACC It was suggested within the draft letter there is an opportunity with para 2 for the Chairman to have the ability to report to the DfT if the system was not working well, ie that the consultation process had broken down. It was suggested by some that the LLACC should work as a critical friend of the Airport but it would only be as good as its members. 2/6

7 8.0 Correspondence received since October 2013 Members noted correspondence. 9.0 Any Other Business No other business was discussed 9.1 Date of Next Meeting LLACC Meetings 7 th April th July th October 2014 NTSC Meetings 12 th March th June rd September 2014 PSSC Meetings 12 th March th June rd September /7