Birmingham Airport night flights plan set to be approved despite opposition from residents

Airport bosses say night flying restrictions need to evolve to reflect "changing patterns" in the industry, and want to increase the total percentage of night flights from 5% to 7.3% over the next year.

"Technological aircraft improvements mean that aircraft are larger, but also cleaner and quieter and the schedules flown by airlines have changed," they said via a statement. 

"Today, the airport is seeing 40% more passengers than 2007, with airlines using 25% less ATMs to carry them. However, to provide passengers the destinations and schedules they want, the airlines need to operate each aircraft as much as possible, meaning earlier starts and/or later finishes each day, often in the 0500-0600 and 2330-0100 periods."

However the scheme came in for strong criticism from Barston Parish Council, who lodged a formal objection on the grounds of noise, health and conditions for local residents, who they said had "difficulty holding normal conversations" due to the noise of low flying aircraft.

"The objection reflects significant concerns raised by high numbers of parishioners in our community regarding the current and potential adverse impacts of night flights, which include noise pollution, health risks, and a general degradation of residential amenity," they said in a submission to the planning committee.

"Low-flying aircraft generate excessive noise that interferes with basic activities such as conversation, working from home, and relaxation. Residents frequently report difficulty in holding normal conversations due to the overwhelming noise levels, which are well beyond acceptable thresholds for residential areas. 

"The persistent noise and disturbance from aircraft are already diminishing the quality of life in Barston. This loss of amenity is unacceptable, and further increases in night flight activity will undoubtedly worsen the situation," they added.

Berkswell, Dickens Heath, Hampton in Arden and Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Councils also lodged similar concerns on behalf of residents. In total, the scheme received 243 objections and three in support.

A report by Solihull Borough Council's planning officers said that the change in the composition of air traffic at the airport has had a "fundamental effect" on the number of aircraft movements relative to the number of passengers handled. 

"It can be seen therefore that when the s106 was originally put in place, aircraft were typically much smaller than those in use today...  Consequently, the S106 needs to evolve to reflect the change in operations at Birmingham Airport," they concluded. 

Solihull Borough Council will decide on the application on Wednesday, January 8.