164. Despite efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of aviation, a certain level will always remain. There is, therefore, a role for both compensation and mitigation measures. Residential owner-occupiers, farmers and small businesses can claim compensation for depreciation in the value of their property caused by physical factors, such as noise, vibration, smell and fumes from development of existing airports or new airports once they have been in use for a year. There may also be potential for airports to mitigate for the ecological or habitat loss arising from major airport development.
165. Many major airports have, or have had, noise insulation schemes. There have been various statutory schemes at Heathrow and Gatwick, both of which are designated airports for the purposes of Section 79 of the Civil Aviation Act 1972. Other airports have introduced schemes on a voluntary basis or as a planning condition. There is substantial advice on this subject in planning policy guidance in England on Planning and Noise (PPG24). Similar criteria apply to roads and railways.
166. Compensation measures for non-environmental impacts are discussed further in the section on Planning for airport development