London Southend Airport appeal for Noise Forum members ahead of summer passenger growth

January 11, 2024

London Southend Airport is appealing for local community groups and parish councils to join its Community Noise Forum (LSACNF).

New members will be able to participate in discussions surrounding aircraft noise, and gain insight into light aircraft circuit training, noise metrics, noise complaint data and more. Established in 2021, the CNF is a direct line of communication with the airport management team.

And now, their new Independent Chair Mike Thwaites is reaching out in an effort to encourage new members. He said: “London Southend Airport has always been very aware of the impact aircraft noise has on local people. I applied for the position of Independent Chair on the basis that I would do all I can to ensure there is effective communication between the community that surrounds the airport and those making operational decisions on behalf of London Southend.

“I believe my experience in working with and in the local community - across Southend and Rochford - for more than 40 years, will help me to achieve this goal.”

Mick, who's spent 20+ years as Trustee/Chair of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation and more recently the Citizens of Southend Awards and Safer Roads Foundation, says it is “very important” that he works closely with the award-winning airport.

He said: “I want to achieve a balance between the positives of airport growth whilst reducing any potential negatives. It will be challenging because we have an airport located in one of the most densely populated areas in the eastern region.

“It is a prerequisite that we have the right community representation round the table. The updated Terms of Reference show a clear aspiration to reach out to those who are affected by the airports operations and those who can assist in minimising its impact.

“London Southend Airport is currently awaiting a response from DEFRA to its draft ‘Noise Action Plan’ which (once adopted) will allow the forum opportunities and solutions to work closely with the airport as part of their commitment as a ‘responsible neighbour’.”

If any resident or business groups wish to enquire about membership to the forum, please visit the London Southend Airport website for details.

The appeal for new members comes after London Southend last week announced a brand new route and airline partnership with Aeroitalia, Italy’s second largest Italian airline. The airport will commence a service of six flights per week to Milan Bergamo starting Monday, March 25 with tickets from €79.99.

In a video shared to the airport YouTube , CEO John Upton said that London Southend expects to “at least double its number of passengers” in 2024, as they operate their largest winter schedule in four years and prepare for an increased service of easyJet summer flights to Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.

John Upton said: “I appreciate the ongoing support of our existing voluntary members. The forum has reaped numerous successes since its launch in 2021 and I am delighted to see our newly appointed chair already engaging with the community.

“The airport has ambitious plans for passenger growth and is ideally placed to serve not just Essex and eastern England, but also the UK's fastest growing population area to the east of London.”