Airport expansion impacts inquiry - Government response

The Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets that took place last year and included a recommendation on noise impacts.

Recommendation 5 of the report says: “The Government should ensure that it is actively working to minimize and mitigate all impacts of noise pollution on relevant populations caused through flying.” In responding, the Government state “policy is to mitigate the impact of aviation noise as much as is practicable and realistic to do – limiting, and where possible reducing, its total adverse impacts on health and quality of life. The Government sets noise controls at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. At other airports, appropriate noise controls are set locally through the planning system. As part of the Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS) review, DfT is considering how the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion, including for noise, should be set.” They add that the Government is also reviewing, and updating the existing Appraisal of Sustainability, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Health Impact Analysis, and Equalities Impact Analysis, in line with any amendments made to the ANPS. These assessments also consider noise impacts, and include mitigations and proposed monitoring, and will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS – which is anticipated in summer 2026.

Full response Airport expansion and climate and nature targets: Government Response