AN INVESTIGATION into the impact of last year’s expansion of London City Airport has begun this week. The London Assembly wants feedback’ from the public on how the extra flights are affecting families across East London

By Mike Brooke

AN INVESTIGATION into the impact of last year’s expansion of London City Airport has begun this week.

The London Assembly wants feedback’ from the public on how the extra flights are affecting families across East London.

This latest City Hall investigation follows Newham Council giving permission last July to increase flights from 91,000 a year to 120,000. Critics accuse Newham of failing to consult neighbouring local authorities over the increase.

The Assembly’s environment committee wants to know what impact it is having on air quality and noise levels.

“The decision by Newham to allow more flights could affect many Londoners,” said the Assembly’s environment chair Murad Qureshi. “It has generated concerns about the likely environmental impacts, particularly the rise in noise and air pollution.

“We want to find out how effective the environmental controls are and hope Londoners will help us with this investigation.”

His committee holds an open meeting at City Hall on June 10 to hear people’s views on the expansion and the environmental controls currently in place.

It could affect households from Poplar and the Isle of Dogs in the west, Hackney and Leyton in the north, Barking and Dagenham in the east and Greenwich, Woolwich and Bexley the other side of the Thames.

A three-month online survey has also been started to gauge public opinion about how flights may already be affecting families. The survey closes June 18.