Mike Penning, MP for the Hemel Hempstead constituency which includes the villages of Markyate and Flamstead, has submitted his comments to the ‘futureLuToN: Optimisation Consultation’.

In his submission, Mike is opposing any significant increase in the number of flights at Luton Airport citing noise levels and infrastructure limitations. He also raises concerns about the proximity of Heathrow flight paths and states that “Luton Airport is simply in the wrong place for significant expansion.”

Mike also raises concerns that noise levels are increasing year-on-year and that “overflights outside the approved corridors has become commonplace.” In particular Mike raised concerns that night-flight restrictions are very lax and noisy cargo planes often cut corners over villages – particularly over Flamstead – waking residents and causing stress and anxiety. He states:
“Until the operator demonstrates that these problems are overcome any further expansion is inappropriate.”

Mike also highlights the problems of the M1 junctions 10 and 10a which are already often congested and states that any additional numbers of passengers would add to the load.

He concludes by saying:
“I still believe that Luton Airport should remain a medium haul, medium sized airport and urge Luton Borough Council and London Luton Airport Ltd to exercise their powers, rights and influence to limit plans for significant expansion in the number of flights and compel the operator to deal with the existing problems of inadequate facilities, access and noise.”

| Mike Penning's submission to London Luton Consultation [1]