Airport operator BAA Stansted is to embark on its biggest noise insulation programme ever.

The scheme is set to go beyond current legal requirements, with more than 1,000 homes affected by aircraft noise to be included.

Homeowners will be contacted individually by the airport to ensure they are aware of the opportunities available to them.

This action meets one the 169 conditions and obligations entered into by BAA to develop the airport to serve 25m passengers a year.

BAA Stansted received 50 responses to its consultation and amongst other things it has agreed to:

Offer the new package of choices of half-price secondary glazing, double-glazing or high specification double-glazing to all residents in the three schemes

Bring to the attention of the Department for Transport comments made about the formula used to determine the boundaries, so that they can be taken into account for the next programme

Ensure schools and other community buildings are considered following the implementation of the next programme, as agreed with Uttlesford District Council under the 25m passengers per year planning permission

Terry Morgan, managing director for BAA Stansted, said: "We have gone beyond the statutory norm and offered to install double glazing at half price, recognising that some residents may wish to take the opportunity to improve their home and include energy conservation as well."

Published Wednesday January 14, 2004

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