The 2035 Masterplan is a complex document which needs detailed reading. It proposes changes which, if implemented, could have significant effects on everybody who lives around the Airport and especially under or close to flightpaths. We fully understand that the Airport is critical to the economy of the North East BUT …
The proposed changes include a runway extension which could mean larger aircraft using the Airport to reach new destinations plus increases in numbers of flights. In addition, it seems that the noise contours will extend over time to affect more people to the West and East of the Airport. All in all, the Masterplan could mean more noise intrusion into the lives of more people.
The new CAA regulations around applying for airspace changes, implemented in January of this year, require airports to consult communities and residents much more than under the old process and demonstrate that they have done so. We think that Newcastle Airport is to the least it thinks it can get away with.
We think that the Airport has failed to communicate properly with all residents who might be affected. Using social media to tell people about meetings works only for those who use social media – a lot of people don’t. If you don’t routinely read the Airport’s web site (most people don’t) then you would not know about the Masterplan or about the consultation meetings and drop ins. This is not good enough by a long way.
As for the consultation, we think that 4 one hour public meetings plus 11 local drop in sessions were not enough for a serious dialogue with residents and communities around such a far reaching plan. We think that the Airport, yet again, is going through the motions and is not interested in a full and frank exchange of views and ideas.
We think that the current public meetings should have been the first phase of a series of meetings and information exchanges, allowing residents to ask questions of the Airport, get replies and come back with further questions. It’s called a conversation. We also think that this should have been done on behalf of the Airport by a disinterested contractor. It’s called confidence building - the Airport doesn't get it.