Talk of flaws in flight path noise study dubbed ‘premature’

Group wants route decision made by government

Edinburgh Airport said talk of “fundamental defects” in a noise study into proposed flight path changes was premature.

North Queensferry Community Council asked the transport minister this week to call in the plans to change the airport’s flight paths.

The group wants the decision taken out of the Civil Aviation Authority’s hands and instead be put before the highest level of government.

The community council claimed there were defects in data used to predict anticipated levels of noise. An independent study has been handed to the CAA and the airport.

However, a spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “The study referred to by Douglas Chapman and North Queensferry Community Council is unverified.

“It is currently being assessed by the CAA and any talk of ‘fundamental defects’, we believe, is premature.

“Our proposals are based on many months of engagement with communities, politicians, airlines, and many others.

“It strikes the right balance of all of the competing agendas and we look forward to the CAA’s assessment in due course.”

The CAA confirmed it is looking at points raised about noise generated by proposed flight path changes at Edinburgh Airport.

It said it had received correspondence from a number of parties raising questions about the noise analysis used for the airspace change proposal.

It is looking at the questions and points raised and will respond once it has completed its assessment.

The CAA added, following a proposal it put forward, the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed the “resetting” of the 28-day call-in window for the proposal.

This allows all stakeholders to consider whether the change meets the call-in criteria that could lead to the Secretary of State, rather than the CAA, making the final decision.

The proposal has now been published on the websites of Edinburgh Airport and the CAA and the call-in request period will be open until 5pm on October 17.

“We believe this allows stakeholders to make an informed decision when considering a request for a call-in,” a spokesperson said.

“Today’s update does not reflect any views on Edinburgh Airport’s proposal, or the process it has undertaken.”

Our proposals are based on many months of engagement with communities, politicians, airlines, and many others. EDINBURGH AIRPORT SPOKESMAN