Overview

This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to classify aircraft noise as a statutory nuisance if it's prejudicial to health. The Secretary of State will set noise levels that trigger this classification, requiring parliamentary approval and the release of supporting medical evidence.

Description

The Statutory Nuisance (Aircraft Noise) Bill modifies the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Specifically, it adds aircraft noise as a type of statutory nuisance under section 79, provided that noise levels are determined to be prejudicial to health. The Secretary of State will be responsible for defining these prejudicial noise levels through regulations. This process requires a two-stage parliamentary approval process. First, a draft of the regulations must be laid before Parliament along with the medical evidence justifying the noise limits. Second, the draft must be approved by both Houses of Parliament as a resolution. The bill will come into effect in stages: Section 2 (Secretary of State's duty to determine noise levels) in three months, and Section 1 (amendment to the 1990 Act) in one year, after the bill's passage. The bill covers England, Wales, and Scotland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the cost of establishing and enforcing the new regulations, including research, consultation, and potential compensation claims, will likely impact government spending. The exact amount is not detailed in this bill.

Groups Affected

• Residents near airports: May benefit from reduced aircraft noise if the bill leads to effective noise reduction measures. Could potentially be negatively impacted by further legal processes needed to resolve noise complaints.
• Airlines: May face increased costs if required to implement noise reduction technologies or change flight paths.
• Airport operators: May experience increased operational costs if noise reduction measures are imposed.
• Government agencies: Will incur costs associated with regulation implementation and enforcement.
• Medical professionals: Involved in providing evidence to inform the Secretary of State's noise level determination.

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