HL Deb 14 March 1991 vol 527 cc288-90

Lord McIntosh of Haringey asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied with existing provisions under planning law for the control of heliports; and what plans they have to strengthen protection against nuisance caused by helicopters.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Blatch)

My Lords, we are generally satisfied with the existing provisions under planning law for the control of heliports. The Government are considering whether to strengthen protection against nuisance from helicopters. We are taking into account the recommendations made in the report of the Noise Review Working Party 1990.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Does she not agree that there is a great deal of public anxiety from a safety point of view, particularly in London, about helicopters flying over metropolitan areas? There is also great anxiety about helicopter pads that are used for fewer than 28 days a year as they do not appear to require adequate planning controls.

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I am not sure on what basis the noble Lord makes his remarks as regards the level of anxiety felt about this matter. The Battersea heliport is up and running. Wandsworth permits 12,000 helicopter movements a year from that heliport. My understanding is that only seven complaints were received about noise nuisance caused by movements from that heliport.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I declare an interest in this matter as an employee of a consortium that is trying to develop a heliport in London. I am also a helicopter pilot. Does not my noble friend agree that a balance must be struck in general terms between the genuine aspirations of those who use helicopters for business purposes and the environmental worries? Is my noble friend aware that there are encouraging prospects of further reducing the noise made by helicopters?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I am aware that a great many attempts are being made to reduce the noise from helicopters. I understand helicopters are a lot quieter than they were, and that it is possible to adapt flying techniques to reduce noise. Considerable work is being carried out by industry to develop new tail rotor systems and types of main rotor blades which will provide adequate performance and reduced noise levels. Research is continuing to advance the work in this area.

Lord Tordoff

My Lords, while bearing in mind what the noble Lord, Lord Glenarthur, has just said about a balance being struck, will the Minister assure us on this point? Will the balance be tilted towards benefits for the environment and for citizens rather than towards benefits for the small number of people who wish to use helicopters?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, it is for the planning system to strike that balance. However, in advance of any changes, Recommendation No. 30 of the Noise Review Working Party's report has already been adopted. I understand that the body submitting the latest application for helicopter movements in London has conducted a noise survey under the terms of the new provisions of Recommendation No. 30 of the working party's report.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, notwithstanding the implications of the previous question, will the Government bear in mind the fact that the maintenance of London's position as a major commercial and financial centre, both of Europe and the world, depends very much on adequate heliport facilities being available so that businessmen in helicopters can get into London conveniently?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, my noble friend makes an important point. The Government believe that helicopters and heliports have an important part to play in an overall transport system. They are particularly important in ensuring that London maintains its prime position not only as a capital city but also as a financial and business centre. That is especially important in the lead up to 1992 and the single market.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, as regards the Minister's response to the noble Lord, Lord Boyd-Carpenter, will she remind the House that the application for the City of London heliport was not only objected to by many individuals who will be the neighbours of the proposed heliport, but also by the London borough of Southwark—and, overwhelmingly, by the City corporation?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, the noble Lord will be aware that that application is sub judice. There has been a full inquiry and all the objections that have been made have been taken fully into account. No doubt a report on the matter will eventually be given to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State who will have to consider both the objections and the comments of those who believe in the importance and significance of heliports being part of the strategy for London.

Lord Hunt

My Lords, does the Minister agree that there is no case for the development of the helicopter industry for tourist use in national parks?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, that question is wide of the Question on the Order Paper. It is the subject of another Question. If the noble Lord cares to table that Question, I shall answer it.

Lord Mackie of Benshie

My Lords, as regards the comments of the noble Lord, Lord Boyd-Carpenter, is it not true that the need for helicopters has arisen purely because the rest of the transport system is so bad and gummed up?

Baroness Blatch

My Lords, I do not accept that. All forms of transport have a part to play in a major capital city. I strongly believe that heliports will assist world financial and business centres. Helicopters also have a very important role to play in medical emergencies which arise as a result of major accidents. That was seen very clearly yesterday.