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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-GB link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>You may be interested in the notes and slides from the presentation by Heathrow personnel in the Village Hall last Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Roger Worthington, secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>07787556309<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notes by Rupert Sellers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Heathrow briefing to Taplow residents re 3rd runway expansion plans</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>A meeting was held at Taplow Village Hall at 7.30pm on 23rd October 2015. Representing Heathrow were Tony Caccavone, Programme Director for Heathrow Expansion and Rick Norman, Head of Noise Policy. With a relatively low turn-out of residents (19 attendees), the speakers were happy to take questions during their presentation, The meeting concluded just after 9pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Points discussed:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Following the Airports Commission report in July 2015 to select Heathrow as the "best-placed to provide the type of capacity which is most urgently required", the Goverment will make their decision on a 3rd runway at Heathrow in December 2015. It is likely that the go-ahead will be given based on 11 conditions which include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> - Ban on night flights<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> - Legally binding cap on noise levels (working with independent aviation noise authority)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> - Provision of jobs (working with local community)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>A few Taplow residents argued that Heathrow was the wrong location for a major airport and that to increase capacity would put safety at further risk and increase noise pollution in this densely populated area. The presenters agreed that Heathrow was not in the best location ...but it was built 45 years ago. If the planning authorities could start all over again, knowing what they know now, they probably would have built 'London airport' in the Thames estuary. Unfortunately the situation is what it is. From a safety perspective, they said the increase in capacity would not compromise safety and that the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) has given its full support in this regard. The Thames estuary airport option (supported by Boris Johnson) was rejected in September 2014, mainly due to cost. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The presenters said there are currently 76,000 people who work at and depend on Heathrow and if an airport was created in the Thames estuary Heathrow would have to close due to air space. They compared how Heathrow's potential job losses could double the problems encountered with the miners' strike in the 1980's when 30,000 jobs were lost.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Out of the top 300 companies in the UK, 225 of them are head-quartered within 25 miles of Heathrow. They said that Stansted airport only runs at 50% capacity because it is inconvenient for most people. By contrast, Heathrow is very well connected. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>The north west 3rd runway option was unanimous amongst the options considered for Heathrow's expansion. By moving further west will improve the noise performance over London. (Of course, this will have the opposite effect for Taplow!). They said they are not going for a 4th runway in their proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>As part of the new development, a new Terminal 6 will be built opposite Terminal 5, and there will be new satellite buildings to the north.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Construction is due to begin in 2020 and the new 3rd runway will open in 2025. Terminal 6 will open in 2026. All the new terminals and trasnport links will be complete in 2035.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Transport infrastructure will be improved. Crossrail will link to Terminal 4 (currently not possible to link to other terminals due to existing building layout below ground). In a later phase, Crossrail will link to other terminals, as well as have a new western rail link to Langley and a new south west connection to Reading and Waterloo. HS2 will connect to either Crossrail or Heathrow Express at Old Oak Common. In addition to improved rail services there will be new bus/coach stations under T5 and T6.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>There are currently 74 million passengers going through Heathrow airport (2015). Capacity will almost double to 135 million in 2035.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Heathrow has invested £12 billion over the last 10 years to improve the airport. Their ratings from passengers were at 48% and they are now at 75% good to excellent rating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Terminal 5 has been voted the best terminal in the world for 4 consecutive years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Heathrow's aim is to have fewer but larger terminals for improved passenger experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>There are currently 16-17 flight arrivals to Heathrow between 4.30am and 6am. In the new proposals they claim there will be no increase in the early morning, but with 3 runways they can 'rotate' much more easily.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Heathrow is one of the safest airports in the world and is one of the best for quality of aircraft (newest planes with best safety procedures).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>One of the residents asked if Heathrow would increase the use of larger aircraft (such as the A380) thus increasing capacity without the need to increase the proportional number of flights. Their answer to this question was that there is a need for a 'hub & spoke' scheme which is how the rail services and post office run. Essentially this means that there is a need for large and small aircraft in order to handle passengers efficiently.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>There were also questions about 'Transfers' and whether these could be reduced in order to cut down numbers through Heathrow. One-third of all passengers are 'transfers' (ie passing traffc via Heathrow - not origin or destination). The presenters said that transfer traffic is needed because demand is driven by this. It's about convenience for passengers but it's also about supporting UK airlines such as BA and Virgin. They gave the example that more people would fly with KLM if they chose to fly via Schiphol airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>In regards to air pollution, Heathrow has cut emissions by 16% in the last 5 years - this relates more to on-the-ground traffic than actual aircraft. Heathrow claims that the pollution figures for the area are more to do with cars from the close by M4 motorway. They added that with increased public transport provision, car trips to and from Heathrow will be no more in 2030 than they are now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>They claim that there will be at least 30% noise reduction between now and 2030 as new planes become quieter. The Airbus A380 for example is much quieter than the Boeing 747 which will be phased out by BA in 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Some members of the audience disputed how noise levels (decibels) have been and will be recorded, and assurance was sought for measuring the decibel count in the Taplow area accurately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>They said that they are looking at ways of reducing noise pollution at take-off and landing by introducing steeper ascents and steeper approaches. This subject matter related more to the landing of aircraft over the suburbs of West London.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Airspace design - Electronic flight paths are being introduced and soon every airline will have to follow the same precise path. They are looking at various options: how they can fly existing areas more intensely, the number of routes in some sort of pattern etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>Surprisingly, the presenters told the audience that the new flight paths had not yet been fully considered and that the Heathrow planners supposedly did not yet have any such proposals. Whether or not this is true, this seems to be one of the few, but very important points where there is a degree of flexibility. They said they will listen to communities within flight path areas and decisions on the actual routes selected can be influenced accordingly. There is real opportunity for Taplow's collective voice to be heard to steer flight paths away from the village.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'>There will be two public consultations - in mid 2016, and again in 2017. Whilst it seems inevitable that the Government will agree to the 3rd runway (in its proposed north west location), Taplow residents will be given the opportunity to influence new flight paths/dispersion and altitude to limit noise levels in our area.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:9.0pt'>This mail has been sent to you from the Hitcham and Taplow Society. If has been sent to you in error or you do not wish to receive such communications, please reply to <a href="mailto:secretary@taplowsociety.org.uk">secretary@taplowsociety.org.uk</a> and we will remove you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>