HL Deb 24 May 2000 vol 613 cc92-3WA
Lord Marsh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What special measures can be taken to avoid significant increases in noise pollution over Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which will be caused by planned increased flights by gliders at RAF Little Rissington. [HL2402]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The RAF is considering a proposal to move both the Joint Services Adventurous Training (Gliding) centre and the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association, both currently based at Bicester, to RAF Little Rissington. Designation of an area as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty does not preclude aircraft activity within the airspace above it. The RAF is, however, very conscious of the impact of its activities on its neighbours. In considering the proposal relating to RAF Little Rissington, account will be taken of the full Environmental Impact Study that has been undertaken by an independent contractor.