Review of existing Section 106 Agreement - Thanet District Council

6 KIA - Existing Section 106 Agreement6.1 IntroductionThe following observations and recommendations relate to two documents:• Firstly the current Section 106 Agreement (Second Schedule)• Secondly a proposals for a night flying policy put forward byPlaneStation early in 2005It should be stressed that the current Section 106 Agreement was establishedwhen the airport was predominantly freight-orientated and must therefore beamended for the current low-cost passenger operations.6.2 Current Section 106 Agreement – Night flying policyWith very few exceptions, the majority of UK airports operate on a 24 hourbasis, albeit with night time flights being a small proportion of overall air trafficactivity.Paras 1.2 and 1.3 relate to the preparation of a Night Flying Policy at least sixmonths prior to the start of such operations. The present request for aprogramme of 16 regular weekly movements during the night time period ofSummer 2005 season, asks for an amendment to the S106 Agreement, whichneeds consideration. A S106 Agreement should be in a form that theprinciples and procedures are valid for a reasonable period, rather thansubject to regular variation to cover unanticipated activity. It is felt that, if theCouncil is so minded to agree the the current request, this should take theform of a separate agreement on a one-time basis to allow these specificflights, but that the S106 itself remain unaltered.Activity at KIA means it is not busy enough to be a Coordinated Airport, whereslot allocation is negotiated between airlines and airports on an internationalbasis. This is a twice yearly process that normally occurs some six monthsbefore the start of the effective season (summer/winter) of operation, althoughthe turbulent nature of the airline business involving Low Cost Carriers tendsto be more volatile in terms of more limited notice before introducing newservices.Para 1.4.1 considers exempting certain arrivals and departures between 06.00and 07.00hrs from night flying restrictions. It is not clear the number of flightsenvisaged during this period. Surveys and experience at other airports hasshown that 06.00 to 07.00hrs, of a 23.00 to 07.00 Night Period, can be asensitive period in terms of airport noise to nearby residents. At many airportsthis “shoulder period” is considered specifically (together with an “eveningshoulder period” of 23.00 to 23.30hrs), and restrictions on these shoulderperiods of activity may need to be introduced if noise disturbance is significantIn respect of exemptions for humanitarian flights, the airport should be obligedto inform, in advance, the Council and the surrounding communities of theprospect of such a night movement, as part of overall community relations. ItEU00142:FINAL REPORT PAGE 25