CPRE Sussex joins call for airspace ombudsman before airspace laws change

CPRE Sussex has joined Sussex Gatwick campaign group CAGNE, as well as CPRE Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and London, in calling for the creation of an independent aviation ombudsman before airspace legislation changes.

The call comes as the Civil Aviation Bill advances through the House of Lords. In its current form, the Bill provides no powers for residents to challenge airspace decisions that would affect them.

Nancy Duckels, CPRE Sussex Campaigns and Communications Manager, said: “Sussex residents must have a clear and accessible way of standing up for their skies and communities. We need to be able to challenge proposed changes to airspace use. An independent ombudsman would enable residents to have their voices heard, as busier skies will bring increased carbon emissions, air and noise pollution.

“It is deeply worrying that the Civil Aviation Authority’s powers could be allowed to go unchallenged. The inevitable destruction brought by increasing air travel would wreak havoc on our Sussex towns and villages, with no way for us to stand up against it.”

The Civil Aviation Bill us due to enter Committee stage at the House of Lords on 1 September.