Environment

Guidance on Biodiversity and Safeguarding

London City Airport fully supports biodiversity and sustainability in new projects and developments, however this must be managed to ensure that there are no adverse effects on airport safety. Birds are the greatest threat to aircraft at any aerodrome and it is the responsibility of all UK aerodromes to manage this risk within 13km of the airfield. For London City Airport, this stretches from Tottenham to Dartford, including the whole of the London Borough of Newham and neighbouring local authorities. Development proposals that may increase the number of birds present due to changes in food sources, roosting location and flight patterns may be discouraged by the airport, with areas close to the airport or under the flight paths likely to be of a higher concern.

The Airport will therefore provide comment on planning applications or development proposals that include landscaping schemes that have the potential to: a) Create dense vegetation that may become a roost; b) Provide an abundant autumn and winter food supply in the form of fruits or berries; and/or c) Create standing water or water courses which attract gulls and waterfowl; d) Outdoor eateries with potential to attract scavenging birds.

London City Airport encourages discussions with developers prior to the submission of planning applications to ensure that biodiversity is maximised whilst managing the risk to aerodrome safety.

If you have any questions related to aerodrome safeguarding please email [email protected]

This guidance was informed by:

• CAA publications 772 and 168
• AOA Advice Note 3 Wildlife Hazards around Aerodromes

For further information on common mitigation advice, or ways to increase biodiversity whilst not attracting birds, please click here.