§ 58. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the criteria for compensation against nuisance from noise for residents near to RAF Cottesmore.
§ Mr. LeeThe policy of my Department in respect of noise from military airfields is that noise insulation grants will be available if three conditions are satisfied:
- (a) that new public works as defined in section 9(6) of the Land Compensation Act 1973 have been carried out;
- (b) that, as a result of bringing these works into use, noise levels have increased.
- (c) that noise levels are above a qualifying limit of an average 75dB(A) over a 12-hour period.
In addition, compensation may be paid to those in the vicinity of the airfield for injurious affection (depreciation in the value of dwellings) due directly to the effect of noise resulting from the bringing into use of the new public works.
In the case of RAF Cottesmore this policy has been applied, and a scheme was announced recently, as explained in a letter of 29 January 1985 to my hon. Friend from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces.