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Paragraph 33 Noise contour limits and quota count point limitsI1

England and Wales

(1)

The area enclosed by the 54dB LAeq(16hr) (07:00-23:00 hrs) and the 48dB LAeq(8hr) (23:00-07:00hrs) contours shall not exceed the limit values for the time periods set out in Table 1. The contours shall be calculated using the Federal Aviation Authority Aviation Environmental Design Tool noise model version 3e prepared to support the DCO submission or periodic updates to that model, subject to written agreement from the ESG.

Table 1: DCO noise contour Thresholds and Limits

Limit
PeriodUp to 2028 F12029–2033 2034-20382039-20432044 onwards (in 5 year cycles)
Average summer day-time noise levels, as measured by size (km2) of 54 dB LAeq, 16hr noise contour31.330.429.632.632.6
Average summer night-time noise levels, as measured by size (km2) of 48 dB LAeq, 8hr noise contour42.641.539.743.243.2
(2)

The contour area limit values shall be converted to day and night quota count budgets, supported by threshold value day and night quota count budgets as set out in the F2green controlled growth framework, using a regression analysis approach to be agreed with Luton Borough Council in consultation with the specified authorities.

(3)

The undertaker must comply with the contour limit values set out for the time periods indicated. Where the airport is operated in excess of the contour limit values, it is not a breach of the terms of this Order for the purposes of Part 8 of the 2008 Act F3—

(a)

if the exceedance is due to action taken in emergency circumstances in which there was F4reasonable cause for apprehending injury to persons or serious damage to property F5; or

(b)

if the exceedance results from circumstances which the ESG has certified are beyond the undertaker’s control.

F6(4)

The undertaker may make a written request to the Secretary of State to change the contour limits, following consultation on such changes with Luton Borough Council and where appointed, the ESG. The Secretary of State may approve changes to contour limits where the undertaker has demonstrated that such changes would not result in materially new or materially different noise effects than those assessed in the environmental statement.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Words in Sch. 2 para. 33(1) Table 1 substituted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

F2

Words in Sch. 2 para. 33(2) substituted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

F3

Word in Sch. 2 para. 33(3) inserted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

F4

Word in Sch. 2 para. 33(3) substituted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

F5

Sch. 2 para. 33(3)(b) and word inserted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

F6

Sch. 2 para. 33(4) inserted (21.3.2026) by The London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent (Correction) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/328), art. 1, Sch.

Commencement

I1

Sch. 2 para. 33 in force at 24.4.2025, see art. 1