Local MP, Mike Penning, whose Hemel Hempstead constituency includes villages and countryside to the north west of the town, has submitted his formal response to the NATS consultation on proposed changes to flight paths over the area.
In particular Mike has highlighted the adverse effects on villages and popular scenic spots in the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) around Ashridge. He writes:
“The Chilterns is one of 40 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty designated by Government as worthy of special protection, and of equal status to National Parks. They cover 15% of England and are described by the Government as the jewels of the English landscape. Government statistics have shown that over 50 million day visits to the Chilterns take place each year; these are predominantly by people from London and nearby towns seeking the peace and quiet of the countryside.”
He added:
“I believe that the Chiltern AONB and the Ashridge Estate is a precious natural resource and that the proposed route changes will increase the noise levels over this area by an unacceptable amount to the detriment of millions of visitors, the wildlife and the residents. From a situation at present with almost no flights over these areas below 4,000 ft the proposals include numerous flights below this height. I further believe that NATS have inappropriately interpreted Government guidance and failed to give sufficient weight to these considerations.”
Mike has also called for the moving of the Bovingdon stack to be a matter of priority as any changes to the stack will necessarily have an impact on other routes. He writes:
“Ambiguity surrounding the Bovingdon stack therefore highlights aspects of the consultation as being premature; I would like to see the situation clarified before a final decision on airspace use is made.”
Speaking afterwards, Mike said:
“I welcome the broad objectives of routing air traffic away from residential areas, but I don’t think that one of the relatively few nationally-recognised beauty spots in our area is the place to route it. Thousands of local residents visit Ashridge on a regular basis as a place they can relax and enjoy the tranquillity. All that would be destroyed in an instant.
“I also think it is pointless making any decisions until we know what is going to happen to the Bovingdon stack as its location will impact enormously on all other routes.”
Click here to download Mike's letter (pdf:31k). | 
