Minutes of the External Advisory Group, 28 February 2006

28 February 2006, Great Minster House

Attendees: Jonathan Moor - Chair, Jim Bailey - SASIG, Jonathan Sharrock - DfT, Alastair Wilson - SE, Martin Capstick - DfT, Mike Toms - BAA, Sam Whatling - DfT, Vanessa Tamms - Virgin, Dipak Valand - DfT, Jonathan Bailey - MAG, Neil Williams - DfT, Peter Lockley - AEF, Phil Graham - DfT, Clive Mitchell - SDC, Vicki Mayo - DfT, Roger Wiltshire - BATA, Simon Evans - AUC, Nic Ferriday - FoE, Keith Jowett - AOA, Owen Simon - CBI, Paul Ellis- BA

Apologies: Barry Humphreys - Virgin, Alison Pridmore - SDC, Tim Johnson - AEF, Danny Pedri - DHL, Eddie Redfern - Charter Airline Group

Introduction

Jonathan Moor opened the meeting by welcoming all the members and introducing himself to the Group as the Director of Airports Strategy.

Update on progress made since last meeting and expected progress by June 2006

Jonathan Sharrock summarised progress made on ATWP work since October 2005 and areas where progress was expected to be made by June 2006. The group went on to discuss a number of issues arising from the presentation.

Update on Project Heathrow

Martin Capstick provided the group with an update on the progress of Project Heathrow. The group was informed that the findings of the air quality technical panels were subject to a peer review and were expected to be published in the coming months. There were separate timetables leading to consultation on possible mixed mode operation and on a possible 3rd runway, though there was an issue about how best to engage the public's interest in technical issues. Work on the third runway issues was not as advanced as on mixed mode and there was an argument for thinking through carefully the overall presentational strategy. The group suggested that engagement with the public should be done through forums with tailored material as well as wider consultation.

Surface access issues

Keith Jowett presented the Airport Operators Association's proposal on a forum for surface access. The forum would provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to share concerns, experiences and discuss the best way forward in achieving sustainable surface access.

The Chair welcomed the opportunity to work with the AOA and agreed that DfT would facilitate the event.

Action: DfT to work with the AOA to arrange the proposed surface access forum. The forum should also consider links with the planning process.

Airport Master Plans - a progress update

Neil Williams explained that some 28 airports had published master plan statements with 15 having published draft consultative plans. His presentation set out examples of where master plans were adding value by demonstrating that airport operators had instigated a dialogue with their local and regional stakeholders over airport development proposals. Although they are non-statutory and have no 'development plan' status, master plans could be used as a vehicle for informing the preparation of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks. The presentation also highlighted a minority of airports that were yet to publish a definitive master plan statement, albeit for good reasons

The group noted that the information set out in airport master plans could usefully inform the Progress Report 2006.

Action: Neil Williams to provide Keith Jowett with contact details for Government Offices. - done via e-mail on 12 June.

The next meeting will be scheduled for June/July 2006.

Programme Management Office

Airports Policy Division

27 March 2006