§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the compensation arrangements to be introduced at RAF Upper Heyford following his visit there on 19 April; and if he will include the name and address of the official to whom claims should be made.
§ Mr. NeubertDetails of the new compensation arrangements were announced at the presentation held at RAF Upper Heyford on 19 April and will be made known in the area by newspaper adverstising and by means of a leaflet delivered to every home within the area of the scheme.
From 17 May some 70 additional homes, including the whole village of Stoke Lyne, which fall within the average 70dB(A) contour will become eligible for a grant for the installation of acoustic secondary glazing to all bedrooms and up to two living rooms. In addition, the original noise insulation grant scheme is being re-opened for a period of six months from 17 May to allow the 35 or so residents who did not previously apply a further opportunity to do so.
It is Ministry of Defence policy to offer to purchase homes which are subject of average noise levels of 83dB(A) or more. There is no obligation to sell and this offer is made because some residents may find the noise unacceptably intrusive; not because of any risk to health or hearing. Letters have already been sent to all property owners within the new 83dB(A) contour informing them of the position.
Although the change of flight paths at RAF Upper Heyford does not satisfy the conditions laid down in the Land Compensation Act 1973 for the payment of injurious affection compensation, it has been decided, exceptionally, to consider claims for compensation. From 1 June 1989 owners of residential property (or small businesses with a rateable value of less than £2,250) in the vicinity of RAF Upper Heyford may submit claims if they believe that the value of their property has been adversely affected as a direct result of an increase in noise following the change in flight paths on 1 June 1988. Claims for such compensation will be considered independently by the district valuer in the light of the evidence available to him.
The noise compensation scheme at RAF Upper Heyford is being administered by the Defence Land Agent, Block D, Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 2DZ.