Reasons to object
| 1 | The NATS proposals have been
influenced by Government Guidelines to keep air traffic over less
populated areas. They have not taken into account the 'relative' noise
levels and how this impacts more dramatically in a quiet rural area. The
Government Guidelines were intended to cover aircraft taking off when they
produce most noise from ground level upwards. They were not intended to
cover arriving aircraft.
If the ambient or background noise level is say 30 - 35 dB as in a quiet village and an aircraft flies over producing 60-65 dB the increase in noise is more than 4 times greater. If the background noise is already 45 - 50 dB as in a town or near a busy road or motorway then the aircraft noise is barely noticeable causing little disturbance.
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| 2 | Much of the information given by
NATS is flawed giving conflicting information. As an example, it is said
that aircraft leaving the Stack at 7,000 ft could fly as low as 4,000 ft.
while another proposal for changes to controlled airspace boundaries sets
a minimum height of 5,500 ft. (Inconsistency of Information)
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| 3 | Aircraft leaving the Westerly Stack
following the 'Red Route' have approx 35 miles to run to reach the runway.
A more efficient distance would be around 22 miles, saving 12 - 13 miles
on approach and around 100Kg of fuel and the resulting reduction in air
pollution.
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| 4 | The consultation
process has been flawed and the information made available is lacking in
detail and is contradictory.
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| 5 | Residents of Hargrave
have chosen to live in the village because of its tranquillity and are
therefore more likely to be disturbed by its loss than people living in
less tranquil areas. A number of residents have moved away from the
Stansted area to Hargrave over the last few years. It is of great concern
to them that the aircraft noise they moved away from will follow them and
once again ruin their peace and quiet.
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