Residents in Surrey and Hampshire are rallying together to oppose Farnborough Airport’s proposed expansion, citing concerns over the detrimental effects it will have on their communities. The airport, which primarily caters to private jet users, is seeking to increase weekend and Bank holiday flights from 8,900 to 13,500, a move that residents say will bring even more noise, pollution, and disruption to their already burdened neighborhoods.
According to residents, the airport’s expansion will not only negatively impact their quality of life, but also cause significant financial losses for homeowners in the surrounding areas. They argue that the land could be used for more sustainable and profitable purposes, such as a solar farm, which could generate income for the local council and provide green energy for the community.
Farnborough Airport claims that its operations create jobs and boost the local economy, but residents disagree. They point out that the airport only employs 190 people, most in low-paid, low-skilled roles, and that only a handful of the 70 businesses on the airport business park are connected to private aviation. Instead, residents argue that the thriving M3/M4 corridor is due to good transport links and established tech industries, not because of the small number of ultra-wealthy individuals who fly to their yachts and ski chalets.
In addition to the noise and pollution caused by the airport, residents are also concerned about the environmental impact. The Environment Agency has identified dangerous chemicals in nearby waterways linked to airport fire-fighting foam, while aircraft pollution contains ultrafine particles that can enter the bloodstream and damage organs. This pollution also affects nearby Sites of Specific Scientific Interest, leading to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and an increased risk of wildfires.
Despite these concerns, residents feel that they have not been adequately consulted by Rushmoor Borough Council, the local authority responsible for the airport’s planning application. They argue that the council has not fulfilled its duty to consult with the public, as required by the Localism Act, and have called on residents to respond to the planning application before the 30th of December.
Farnborough Noise Group, a community organization campaigning against the airport’s expansion, is hosting public Zoom meetings on Wednesday 10th December to raise awareness of the issue and provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns. The group is urging residents to say NO to Farnborough Airport’s expansion and to use hashtags such as #NoAirportExpansion and #StopAirportExpansion to spread the word on social media.
For further information on Farnborough Noise Group and their campaign, visit their website at www.farnboroughnoise.org or email farnboroughnoise@gmail.com.
