Birmingham Airport and Solihull Council have agreed new measures to restrict intrusive late night aircraft noise from October.
Charges will be applied to aircraft who breach night noise violation limits, which have been reduced from 85 decibels (dBA) to 83dBA. The airport also indicated that proposals to reduce the noise limit to 81dBA are also set to be considered following a review in 2021.
The changes had previously been called for by Meriden's MP, Dame Caroline Spelman and Castle Bromwich ward councillor, Mike Robinson, who have been supporting concerned residents since the airport unveiled plans to change the existing flight paths as part of an international airspace redesign.
Commenting on the changes, Dame Caroline said, “I welcome the decision taken by Birmingham Airport to introduce a new, lower noise limit on night time flying - something which I have supported local campaigners in calling for ever since the runway was extended in 2014.
“This policy will ensure that aircraft which have a local reputation for causing the greatest noise nuisance, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, will no longer be able to depart between 11.30pm and 6.00am”.
“Having worked closely with a number of residents groups to the north and south of the runway; most recently within the community of Castle Bromwich, I am sure that this policy will be welcomed by those in the worst affected communities. Going forward, I hope that the Airport will continue to develop this policy to ensure further respite measures are introduced to benefit of my constituents in the months and years ahead”.