Meeting documents

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2016 were confirmed.

To consider any reports/updates from the Portfolio Holder or Members on Outside Bodies.

Cllr. Naylor informed the members of the PAG that he had attended a meeting of the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee.

The Portfolio Holder and Head of Service to update Members on Part I current issues relating to the PAG and to receive feedback from Members (if any).

None.

To consider the report of the Head of Sustainable Development.

Members of the PAG received a report containing updates relating to Heathrow and National Policy Statement.

Members noted that the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group – a consortium of local authorities affected by Heathrow expansion- were holding monthly meetings to discuss the way forward following the Government’s decision to expand Heathrow. It was explained that Heathrow were no longer hosting the meeting, with hosting duties given over to the member local authorities, and South Bucks to host in March.

It was seen by Members that the transport sub-group had met to discuss the challenge set down by government that there should be no net increase in traffic to the airport. Members understood that all members of the Group would jointly sign up to a SLA (service level agreement) with Heathrow, and would instruct consultants when necessary to test and validate any evidence produced by HAL (Heathrow Airport Ltd). By doing this, the member local authorities will be able to utilize the work commissioned by HAL on matters including traffic modelling, noise and air quality, which will contribute towards research regarding surface access proposals.

Members of the PAG noted that the Draft National Policy Statement (NPS) containing information on new runway capacity and infrastructure at airports in the South East of England was published in early February for a 16 week consultation. There is to be an exhibition held in Gerrards Cross on 11 March as part of the consultation, with Iver residents being bussed in by the DfT.

The draft NPS identifies specific impacts and addresses what is expected in terms of mitigation – many of these affect South Bucks, with some being the responsibility of the County Council. As such, the suggestion is that both authorities will draft a joint response, with the deadline for this being 25 May 2017.

The separate Consultation on Airspace runs to the same timetable.  The policy is to reduce stacking, lower emissions and lessen noise for local communities.  There would also be an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation noise.

It was noted that the next meeting with HAL was scheduled for 15 March, with Officers from BCC attending – amongst the agenda items would be further discussion on a memorandum of understanding. Discussion was had among Members in relation to air quality and noise, with all agreeing that to stay within these parameters, airlines would be reliant on changes in technology and flight paths.

To consider any other business which the Portfolio Holder considers is urgent.

None.

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 following item of business is not for publication to the press or public on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act."

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 following item of business is not for publication to the press or public on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act."

(para 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

To receive the Part II minutes of the meeting of the PAG held on 22 November 2016.

The Part II minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2016 were confirmed.

The Portfolio Holder and Head of Service to update Members on update Part II current issues relating to the PAG and to receive feedback from Members (if any).

None.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive.