Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 13730

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Manchester Airport

I&O_14250
Good transport links are crucial to supporting sustainable communities and economic growth. It is therefore important to locate development in sustainable locations that are carefully linked to the wider network, and to improve accessibility via sustainable modes of travel across the borough and to key destinations and major economic drivers in the region. TA 1 should recognise cross boundary working into neighbouring authorities to ensure that connectivity via sustainable transport options allows residents to access facilities (such as Manchester Airport) which sit outside of the borough. This may also require cross sector working with bus and train operators to maximise benefit/impact.

Comment

Representation ID: 13731

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Manchester Airport

I&O_14251
Thank you for consulting and inviting views from Manchester Airports Group (MAG) on your Issues and Options consultation document. We greatly welcome the opportunity for engagement in the development of your Local Plan. Manchester Airport is a strategically important component of the UK’s infrastructure network and serves as the UK’s global gateway in the North. It is the largest airport outside of London and third largest in the UK, handling 30.7 million passengers in 2024 and around 120,000 tonnes of cargo annually. With 50 airlines operating to over 200 destinations, Manchester Airport provides the North of England with valuable international connectivity and crucial links to overseas markets. As such Manchester Airport is a major asset and driver of economic growth, contributing £2.0bn in direct GVA for the North of England in 2024, and supporting approximately 20,000 jobs on site. The Airport is also a major regional transport hub and public transport interchange with rail, bus, coach and Metrolink facilities all located on site. This makes Manchester Airport a strategically significant location in terms of its economic contribution, excellent transport connections and in realising the wider growth agenda for the North. To maximise the Airport’s contribution to the growth agenda, it must be well-connected to the key towns and cities that it serves. As such, transport and accessibility is a key topic within the Local Plan that is of principal interest to MAG. It is also essential to ensure that Manchester Airport’s operational safety and efficiency are not compromised, through the robust application of aerodrome safeguarding policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 13732

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Manchester Airport

I&O_14252
The sustainable transport hierarchy is a useful tool to help residents think about improving the impact of their journeys. The higher up the hierarchy, the more sustainable and greener the travel option. We recognise that different residents may have specific travel needs, but welcome that active travel, such as walking and cycling are promoted as in short, they are the most environmentally friendly modes, requiring minimal resources and promoting public health. We also welcome that public and shared transport options are promoted near the top of the hierarchy. At Manchester Airport, we have been working to ensure that buses, trams, and trains are real sustainable travel options, however, would also suggest that networks to and from Manchester Airport do require some strengthening if these options are to become a real choice for Airport passengers and those who may be employed at the Airport. Some of our passengers and staff will be seeking to access Manchester Airport outside of ‘core’ public transport operating times. Therefore, we do recognise a need to have good access to the Airport via road, with reliable highway connections. It is important that collaboration with National Highways continues, so that the key route networks continue to operate effectively.

Comment

Representation ID: 13733

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Manchester Airport

I&O_14253
Where possible, any of the DM 37 Recreational Routes should be linked into wider sustainable transport infrastructure in the area so that the network can be expanded incrementally, providing choice for active travel for residents. Regarding current policy T3 Railway Stations, Manchester Airport continues to work with rail operators to see how we can improve access to Manchester Airport by rail. We would therefore welcome retention of the policy seeking to improve infrastructure at stations, which may enhance rail travel as an option for passengers seeking to access Manchester Airport from areas within Cheshire West and Chester.

Comment

Representation ID: 13734

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Manchester Airport

I&O_14254
MAG welcomes the suggested policy approach for safeguarded areas around aerodromes. Ensuring the operational safety and efficiency of Manchester Airport are not compromised has implications for land and development within the borough and presents specific development issues that cannot be addressed by generic development management policies. It is therefore essential to include an aerodrome safeguarding policy within your Local Plan. We agree that the content of Local Plan (Part Two) Policy DM11 could be retained subject to the following amendments (inserted in red text) to bring the policy up to date: Policy - Safeguarded Areas around Aerodromes Within the safeguarded areas, as identified on the policies map, new development which does not adversely affect the operational integrity or safety of an airport or aircraft operations, radar and navigation systems will be supported. In considering proposals for development within a safeguarded area the Council will have particular regard to: the height and design of the development; and the likelihood of it creating a birdstrike risk; and the likely impact on navigational aids, radio waves, radar and telecommunications systems for the purposes of air traffic control and aircraft movements. Obstacles – Development over a certain height in different areas of the borough as specified on the safeguarding map. These may cause an obstacle and/or impact on radar. CNS – Communication, Navigation and Surveillance systems & navigational aids – any development that might interfere with vital aviation equipment. Lighting – Any lighting that might detract from airfield ground lighting or cause a distraction to pilots or air traffic controllers. Glint & Glare – To prevent distraction or ocular damage to pilots. Wildlife Management – To reduce the risk of birdstrikes. Renewable Energy Schemes – Including wind turbine, solar and biomass energy schemes because all have the potential to interfere with the safe operation of the airport. Thermal Plumes – Development that could cause a change to air density e.g. chimneys. Wind Shear – Development that has the potential to alter wind speed and direction. Aviation – Applications connected with an aviation use including drones, EVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, UAS (unmanned aircraft system), UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), vertiports and heliports. Explanation The Civil Aviation Authority has identified officially safeguarded areas around Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports which cover the north and east of the borough and Hawarden Airport, which affects the western part of the development plan area. The Council is therefore bound in statute (in accordance with guidance set out in Dft/ ODPM Circular 1/2003 or any Direction or Circular revoking or re-enacting that Direction or Circular) to consult the relevant Aerodrome Safeguarding Authority on planning applications within the safeguarded areas that could potentially affect the safety of the aircraft operation or prejudice the airport's future development. The borough also has a number of civil en-route technical sites and NATS En-Route (NERL) will be consulted on relevant applications. The types of development that will be subject to consultation are: all development that exceeds certain height limits in different areas of the borough (that are indicated on the safeguarding map of each airport); any proposal within 13 km of the aerodrome that is likely to attract birds. Such proposals will include waste disposal and management facilities; the creation or modification of water bodies such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and marshes; nature reserves; solar farms and bird sanctuaries; significant areas of landscaping; sewage disposal and treatment works; mineral extraction and quarrying (specifically the associated restoration schemes); any proposal for other aviation uses within 13 km of the aerodrome; all wind turbine developments within 30 km of the aerodrome; large-scale solar arrays. The boundaries of the aerodromes’ safeguarded areas are identified on the policies map, however, applicants should consult the Council about the current extent of the safeguarded areas because they are reviewed and amended from time to time by the individual Aerodrome Safeguarding Authority.