Heathrow - the speech I didn't make in full at Borough Council last night

HEATHROW - the Speech I didn't make in full at Borough Council tonight.


This Council has had cross-party support for many years, for policies to protect the interests of borough residents in the face of continuing pressure to expand Heathrow.

In recent years we have been joined with other boroughs in 2M, and by the Environment lobby of Greenpeace and WWF, and as a result of our work, one of the first announcements of the Coalition Government was to stop the building of Runway 3, and retain runway alternation at Heathrow.

But make no mistake, we cannot sit back and relax. BAA were devastated by that decision, and have been working tirelessly and expensively to get it reversed. They are lobbying, they are seeking relaxation of the alternation regime with the first trials in November, and they are attempt to soften up the business sector – such as the articles in the Telegraph last weekend.

Most of our residents suffer the noise of plane noise every 60 seconds for half the day when the airport is operating on Westerlies, and those within a couple of miles of the perimeter fence have noise almost continuously irrespective of the wind direction. We have around 16 747s arriving every morning before 6am. Surely the noisiest environment in the UK, yet Heathrow provides the worst noise insulation schemes of any UK airport.

Whilst we know residents who say they don’t notice the planes overhead, I have never had any doubts about the insidious effects of continuous plane noise and of night flights. Remember, in the UK, only Heathrow has communities living in a built up area right up to the perimeter. And there is a growing body of knowledge of the health impacts of living close to a busy airport and Heathrow in particular. Cardio/respiratory, mental health, children’s learning, not to mention the long-term effects of living in an area of very poor air quality

In November we will see the first trials of the "Operational freedoms" – we have to ensure this is not mixed mode by stealth – we are demanding proper monitoring, proper information and survey of the communities affected, and the ability to contribute to the design of the trials. They start in November, to date we have not had a proper response to our demands on this.


-This is why the respite that runway alternation brings is so important,
- This is why a ban on night noise is essential
- And this is why a proper insulation scheme that is at least as generous as the other other UK airports is only fair to our residents.

We will continue the work I started in 2002 to lobby politicians in all 3 main parties of the case for better mitigation for our residents, a decent night’s sleep, that period of peace that alternation brings, and decent insulation. I met about 15 senior Lib Dems on Sunday and yesterday at their conference and will meet many senior Labour people in Liverpool. Cllr Reid will be in Manchester talking to senior Conservatives. This work paid off off over the years but it takes time but – we are up against the million pound communication budget of BAA and BA which used in promoting a set distorted economic arguments. Remember that in the night flights court case, they could produce no economic data to support their case.
They tell us that the UK economy will fail if there isn’t another runway in the South East to take the growing demand from the Far East – yet they fly half empty planes across the Atlantic on a daily basis and hundreds of short-haul flights that could be replaced by rail journeys.

The majority of passengers are transfer passengers, contributing little to the UK economy. And our local economy is so over-dependent on the airport that firms in other sectors struggle to compete for land, appropriately skilled staff and road space, Furthermore, as we know when ash clouds or snow close the airport, many thousands of local cleaners, baggage handlers, and catering staff are the first to lost their jobs, sometimes with a few hours notice. It is an unhealthy over-dependence on a single employment source, which has no need to expand further. But it does need to improve its offer to the local workforce;
- more local recruitment,
- better training and apprenticeships,
- supply chains with local small and medium businesses.
Hounslow sits where the Silicon Valley meets London – our economy can afford, and indeed needs, to diversify.
We seek to have as our neighbour, a better airport, not a bigger one.

Boundary Review - Weakens Political accountability

The boundary review retains Brentford and Isleworth parliamentary constituency more or less intact (just losing Hounslow Heath ward), but Feltham and Heston disappears altogether.  Its ten wards will be split 3-ways with the 3 Heston wards, Cranford and Hounslow West going to Ealing Southall; Feltham North and West and Bedfont wards go to a new Feltham and Hayes constituency; and finally Hanworth and Hanworth Park go into a new Teddington and Hanworth constiuency, where Hounslow Heath will also go.

This means that Hounslow will be represented by four MPs instead of the current two.  What's more, 3 of them will face outwards to the borough where the majority of their voters live, ie Ealing, Hillingdon or Richmond upon Thames.  Hounslow's residents will therefore be poorly served by their MPs, as the Council will now need to brief and work with 4 MPs, not two, made more difficult when 3 of the MPs have their majority interests in other boroughs.  This obsession with equally-sized constituencies ends the assumption that there is co-terminosity of constituencies with local authority areas, and weakens democratic accountability.  Is it too late to revise the basic criteria?

Message from the Leader of Hounslow after last nights disturbances

 
The statement from Councillor Jagdish Sharma, Leader of the Council, is as follows:
       
"The scenes from around London over the last few nights have shocked and saddened us all.
 
"These actions are purely criminal and have devastating consequences for the innocent bystanders who have seen their homes and businesses destroyed. Very dangerous situations have developed across London and have quickly become life and death situations.
 
"We worked with the police last night to monitor the situation across the borough of Hounslow and will continue to do so for as long as is necessary. We, alongside the police, the fire service and other partners, will do whatever we can to provide support to residents and businesses.
 
"I want to urge young people and other residents right across the borough to continue to refrain from taking part in this kind of criminal behaviour - either here in Hounslow, or anywhere else. I also urge everyone who has an influence in our communities - whether as family members or community leaders - to help maintain calm across our borough."

Matt Harmer's monthly Update - news from my fellow Brentford Councillor

(Written before the Reynard Mills news.)
Welcome to the July email bulletin from Brentford ward councillor Matt Harmer. You’re getting it because we have communicated on local issues.
Well, the nights are deawing in and the temperature is dropping so the football season can’t be far away.

With that in mind, here is a fixture list for you to cut and paste, print out and stick on the fridge. Start here...

Below are the fixtures for Brentford FC for the 2011-12 season. Bad weather, cup ties and television can change things so call the club first on 08453 456 442 or visit www.brentfordfc.co.uk to make absolutely sure. Saturday games kick off at 3pm and weekday games at 7.45 except where indicated and all games are League 1 unless it says otherwise.

Fri     22nd JULY       STOKE CITY (Friendly)
Tues    26th JULY       WATFORD (Friendly)
Sat     6th AUG         YEOVIL TOWN
Sat     20th AUG        LEYTON ORIENT
Sat     27th AUG        TRANMERE ROVERS
Tue     13th SEP        COLCHESTER UNITED
Sat     17th SEP        PRESTON NORTH END
Sat     1st OCT         HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Sat     15th OCT        SCUNTHORPE UNITED
Tue     25th  OCT       STEVENAGE
Sat     29th OCT        CHESTERFIELD
Sat     12th NOV        FA CUP 1st ROUND – Possible home game
Sat     19th NOV        CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Sat     10th DEC        HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Mon     26th DEC        AFC BOURNEMOUTH (3pm)
Sat     31st DEC        MILTON KEYNES DONS
Sat     28th JAN        WYCOMBE WANDERERS
Sat     11th FEB        OLDHAM ATHLETIC
Sat     18th FEB        CARLISLE UNITED
Tue     6th MAR         EXETER CITY
Sat     10th MAR        SHEFFIELD UNITED
Sat     24th MAR        ROCHDALE
Sat     7th APR         BURY
Sat     14th APR        NOTTS COUNTY

The email format that these bulletins get sent in may have made the list go a bit wobbly - apologies if so. It seems to depend on which browser you use, or something.

* Planning ahead *

Thank you to everyone who has emailed me about the planning application for 315 homes on the Reynards Mill site on Windmill Road. Long term fans of this email will recall that this was the site of the BBC archive. However they have moved and the owners of the site are bringing forward a planning application. Around 80 people and households have contacted me.

One of the frustrations that councillors have is that we are constrained on what we can or cannot say regarding planning applications. If, for example, I was to say here that I thought the application was concerning me on a number of matters including density, design and the respect for the local context then I could be disbarred at a later stage from sitting on the committee that takes the final decision. The same would apply if I felt that the application was a wonderful addition to the street scene.

This is frustrating for us and, I daresay, for you. The process is sometimes given the snappy title quasi-judicial and should be treated in the same way as sitting on a jury – basically, you don’t turn up on the first day convinced that the accused is guilty (or at least you don’t let on).

I have to say that the quality of responses has been very high, nearly all concentrating on solid planning issues. Following a request from Ealing councillors – the site is very close to the boundary with our neighbouring borough – the area being consulted has been expanded and the time extended. And even though there is a ‘closing date’ for responses, this is to fit in with the law and, in effect, our council planning officers will take account of objections pretty much up until the day of the planning committee.

We don’t yet know when that will be but if you have written to the council you will get a letter saying when that committee will be heard. It’s what we call a meeting in public – speaking opportunities are limited but you are absolutely entitled to be there.

* Diary time *

Just a couple of dates to note before I go. On Weds 4th August you are invited to the Picnic in the Park in St Paul’s Rec Ground from midday to 4pm. Bring picnics and playthings and have a great time.

There are two great events to choose from on Sunday 4th September. It’s the traditional date for the Brentford Festival in Boston Manor Park and if you’ve been to this event in the past you’ll know how good it is and if you haven’t, then you are missing something excellent. For one year only it shares a date with the London Mela in Gunnersbury Park. Usually this is in August but with Ramadan taking place in August this year it would plainly be inappropriate to have the Mela during this important festival.

I know that the Mela is not universally popular, particular with residents on streets adjacent to the park, but my personal feeling is that it’s good to see the park used by people across London on this one day. The organisation has improved, I would say, and I hope that you get to try both events.

Other than that, can I wish you a great summer from me and my two Brentford Labour colleagues Mel Collins and Ruth Cadbury. You can spend the summer reading Ruth’s blog at www.ruthcadbury.com and following her twitters @RuthCadbury. Enjoy!

* Can I help? *

As a councillor, my first task is to try and assist residents with problems. Please get in touch if you think I can help, either by replying to this mail or calling 020 8560 7033.
In the meantime, thanks for reading.

Reynard Mills applicants to be told to withdraw their application

On Thursday I met our senior planning officer.  Many residents of north Brentford will be pleased to know that the applicants will be asked to withdraw their application, on the basis that it represents significant overdevelopment on the site.  If they insist on pursuing it they would be refused planning permission by officers under their delegated powers. This means that it won't be coming to the planning committee. 

 

We would expect that if they want to redevelop the site they would return with a much reduced scheme, with much less impact on the local area. 

 

This issue  has given us one of the biggest "post-bags" we have had on a local issue for a very long time, so I hope people can rest assured that whatever happens on that site, we will ensure that it is in scale and keeping with the local area.

Olympics Planning - One year to go

As Hounslow's lead on the Cabinet for the Olympics, on Friday I attended Lampton School's amazing end of term Olympic assembly.  Khulbir Bhaura, GB Hockey team, Seoul and a member of the Indian Gymkana club in Osterley, brought his medals and described the elation of finally winning gold after years of struggle.  On Wednesday I'd met Ade Adepitan, GB Wheelchair Basketball, who had fought bullying at school and 12 years of struggle, to get onto the Olympic bronze medal winning team in 2004.  Both were inspirational speakers, ordinary youngsters who'd been given a chance, saw the end goal, and fought against all odds to get there.   The year 7-10s at Lampton had spent 3 days learning about the Olympics, with workshops and a massive range of taster sessions of different sports (including wheelchair basketball).  It culminated in the assembly and balloon launch before the students were sent off for the summer, hopefully taking a bit of that enthusiam and aspiration with them.

On the Council side, we're getting our heads around the implications of the 2012 Olympics for the borough over the next year.  We set up the Olympics Project Board which I chair in the spring, bringing together the various officers, Council and others, who will have a role to play. We are required to make sure everything we are responsible for runs smoothly, to have contingency plans in case things go wrong, ensure our core services continue to run as normal, as well as the more exciting work of making the place look nice and welcoming, and co-ordinating the many regular and special events that will take place in hte borough over the next year.  It's going to mean taking people off their day job some of the time, even full-time for one or two - very difficult when resource pressures are so tight at the Council now.

The most important theme will be ensuring there is a legacy from the 2012 Olympics in the borough.  We have no Olympic venues in Hounslow, but we hope to use the opportunity of the Olympics to increase participation in sport, physical activity and culture, raise the borough's profile and promote our towns and villages as places to visit and for businesses to invest.  The lesson from the Sydney Olympics is that, the more you plan for this "soft" legacy, the better the long-term impact.  Once the opening ceremony is upon us, it will be too late to invest in anything long-lasting.

We've got a lot to do from a standing start, and it's going to need a lot of co-ordination and planning.  

• On Friday I met Ruth Williams, a maths teacher at Lampton, who has used the national "Get Set"  programme to plan a whole programme of activites from this week through next year.  She is really keen to link up with other schools through Get Set and to set up a schools network - so that's now on the agenda for the first Deputy Heads meeting of next term.
• The torch relay will be going through the borough on or around the 24th July - a massive event that will bring thousands onto the streets and selected local people will get the chance to carry the torch
• The Big Dance - is going to be a massive West London series of events on Hounslow High Street, and culminating in a record breaking Bollywood dance spectacular at Lampton Park on the 7th July.
• Traffic officers have been working for some months now on the Olympic Route Network - our bit is the A4 through Chiswick and there'll be some restrictions on that for most of the summer.
• There's also the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to plan for, and many other events, annual such as the Barrio and the Mela which will be bigger than usual, and one-off cmmunity events.

We'll be developing a Hounslow Olympic web-site so future up-dates will be posted on there at regular intervals.  Meanwhile, do get in touch via Olympics@hounslow.gov.uk and register your interest.

My Letter in Times re Heathrow and some others

 
Sir, You appear to be trying to relaunch the failed campaign to expand Heathrow Airport.
People in Hounslow want the aviation industry to be successful — many work at Heathrow or depend on it economically — but we do not want the airport to consume us.
Aircraft noise already makes Hounslow the noisiest London borough. We will not allow it to be increased even further.
Your reports set out a questionable economic case for more aviation, then systematically eliminated all the potential sources of additional capacity, leaving the impression that only expansion at Heathrow would solve the problem of congestion and avoidable carbon emissions. The case for low-carbon alternatives such as high-speed rail was hardly explored.
We are ready for a rational dialogue with the aviation industry but we will fight vigorously against any renewed attempt to pressurise the Government into abandoning its moratorium on Heathrow expansion.
Councillor Ruth Cadbury 
Deputy Leader, London Borough of Hounslow


John
 
Our correspondents disagree on the best way forward for aviation in the UK, although most concur that it plays a key part in the economy
Sir, Heathrow is so overloaded that airlines are talking about leaving Britain (“Airlines plan flight from Britain”, June 28). No wonder, when the same airlines insist that almost all flights from other UK airports route via Heathrow or another London airport. If the airlines offered more direct flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool there would be fewer passengers transiting London and more space for those who need to.
I. Young 
Edinburgh
 
Sir, You quote Theresa Villiers, the Aviation Minister, saying that “it is untrue to suggest that Government does not have a strategy to help UK aviation grow and prosper”.
The UK’s Air Passenger Duty is the highest in the world, and is to rise in 2012. The Government’s new Aviation Framework won’t be consulted upon and implemented until April 2013, meaning the UK will have gone 35 months without a policy — costing jobs, business growth and international connectivity in the meantime.
Darren Caplan 
Chief Executive, Airport Operators Association
 
Sir, John Stewart of HACAN Clear Skies (“Veto will not harm the economy”, June 28) is wrong to say that a block on expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted will not hurt the economy. Heathrow serves as the UK’s only hub airport and it is full. As a result, it has been losing routes to rivals for the past 20 years — it serves just 171 destinations compared to Amsterdam with 222, Paris with 223 and Frankfurt with 262, all of which have room to grow at our expense. Even more worryingly, our potential to trade with such important economies as Brazil, Russia, India and China is threatened by the UK’s inability to expand its hub airport. China will build 97 airports by 2020. By contrast, no full-length runway has been built in the South East of England since the war.
At a time when the UK economy needs all the help it can get, it seems perverse to signal that London is closed to new business.
Simon J. L. Buck 
Chief Executive, British Air Transport Association
 
Sir, John Stewart is misleading when he argues that our economy is not dependent on airport expansion in the South East. Aviation is a substantial net contributor to the Exchequer — even more than the much-vaunted bank levies. It supports the employment of 1.5 million people. It pays for all its own vehicles, airports, policing, security and terminals — even its regulator, the CAA, makes a 6 per cent return to the economy.
Yet with the decision to abandon plans for a third runway, London Heathrow risks becoming a branch line rather than a major hub.
To make matters worse, the Government’s punitive approach to managing aviation’s emissions means that Air Passenger Duty now acts as a £2.7 billion burden on the industry. That is enough to offset all UK emissions four-fold yet there is no Cruise Liner Passenger Tax.
The aviation industry is committed to improving fuel efficiency by 1.5 per cent per year to 2020, capping net emissions from 2020 through carbon-neutral growth, and cutting net emissions in half by 2050, compared to 2005 levels, but it is still pilloried. The aviation industry can only take so many knocks before the damage is permanent. At that stage, the people who will benefit most will not be the green community but rather our international competitors.
Andrew Brookes 
Director, The Air League
 
Sir, A new hub airport would take decades to be fully operational. Extra capacity is needed now even though it may require unpopular decisions.
We are operating in a competitive market, where talented individuals and institutions are highly mobile. London and the UK cannot afford to stand still while our rivals across the globe are building for the future.
Stuart Fraser 
Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation