Do Sound Barriers help Support the Case for Airport Expansion?

The debate around airport expansion in the UK has been on-going for many years now. Arguments both for and against such expansions are compelling and well supported. Whilst it is clear to see the benefits for the UK on the whole, and for the individual, many remain strongly opposed to the proposed developments. With that in mind, let us look at some of the benefits of the suggested growth.

The UK has clearly been though very tough financial times. Although these are not over, many would suggest that now is the time for growth and for building towards the future. While this may sound like the logical way forward, many people remain resistant, or even fearful, of grand, and seemingly expensive, planning. If the economy is starting to grow again, why change things and risk decline? Is it too much of a risk to take? Is it too early in the UK’s economic recovery? Or will it help improve our situation further?

A need for more sound barriers

The UK, in particular London, is a key player in world business, and this needs to be maintained. It is clear to see that business needs to be international in order to have reach and opportunity for large scale growth. Boosting trade with other countries and opening the door to international development will help ensure the economy continues in its incline.

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Business and trade happen at a fast pace. Having easy access to readily available and reasonably priced international flights will support this. At present the UK’s airports and flight networks are jam packed. Everyone wants to get somewhere, in a hurry. Delay, crowds and waiting do not go hand in hand with business. Airport expansion will open these networks and allow increased traffic in and out of the UK for our businesses.

There is a huge and very real fear that with additional runways and air traffic the level of noise pollution will also increase and could possibly decrease the quality of life for many living near our airports. Whilst it is true that more planes will equal more noise, technology to manage this is also developing. Acoustic barriers are already well used around airports and runways to help reduce noise for neighbours. The erection of more noise barriers will have to be carefully considered when expansions start.

More sound barriers means more jobs

Whilst international business is important for the country’s continued economic growth, the need for jobs here and now in the UK is great. It is clear to see that once, if agreed, actual work begins on expanding any of the UK’s airports a huge number of jobs will be created. It has been estimated that, if expansion takes place at Gatwick, 120,000 new jobs will be created. If you think of the scale of the task it is clear to see how this number is realistic.

The expansion of a huge international airport is no small task. From initial planning, marketing, media and architecture right through to actual building work, labouring, construction and landscaping, a hive of activity will be in evidence. Employees will be needed at every stage. Looking at smaller details such as sound barriers will evidence the increased need for new jobs. Take the example of acoustic barriers, new technology will need to be implemented, new styles designed, and then they will need to be made, sold and installed; jobs at each stage, and a real boost to the UK’s economy.

Supporting the demand for innovation with acoustic barriers

The expansion of UK airports and flight networks will pave the way for development in many areas of industry. Expansions plans will involve the most up to date modern technology and products that can be found. This is particularly evident when it comes to noise barriers. Increased noise pollution will bring the need for better use of these acoustic barriers. This will mean a demand for development of sound barrier technology, design and erection.

This will also be the case for many other industries. Competition amongst companies to provide the materials or services to be used in airport expansion will inspire creativity and progression. This will support the UK’s industries both now and in the future, both in the UK and in trade across the world. Advances in services and products will give the potential for our businesses to be at the forefront in their sectors, a crucial factor in this period of growth.

These are just a small number of the many benefits airport expansion would bring to the UK. There are certainly many more detailed arguments to support this side of the debate. Clearly, there are also many points on the opposing side, against the airport expansion. Concerns have been raised around noise pollution as well as the potentially significant and detrimental impact upon the environment, to name just two of these points. The debate continues with the decisions over next steps still to be seen.