A coalition of environmental and community groups has raised concerns that proposed aviation legislation could strip local residents of their ability to challenge changes to airspace.
CPRE Sussex has united with 22 national organisations in urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider provisions in the Civil Aviation Bill that critics argue would eliminate public access to impartial review mechanisms for airspace modifications.
Sally Pavey, a trustee at CPRE Sussex and co-founder of the campaign group CAGNE, expressed concern that the legislation would leave communities disadvantaged, with more consequential determinations made without local input and no independent avenue for challenge.
She indicated that residents should have access to procedures that are open, responsible and equitable.
The campaigner also noted that while independent oversight already exists for airline passengers and consumers, and is being considered for water quality legislation, equivalent protections should apply to communities residing beneath flight corridors.
The collective is pushing for legislative amendments that would create an independent aviation ombudsman to adjudicate disputes involving airspace alterations.
Nancy Duckels, who serves as campaigns and communications manager at CPRE Sussex, stated that allowing affected residents to challenge determinations impacting their properties and wellbeing represents straightforward logic.
The Civil Aviation Bill is scheduled to advance through additional parliamentary stages following its approval by the House of Lords.