NATIONAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
It is advisable for national governments to develop a strategic planning objective for the medium and long-term development of airports within their national jurisdiction. The strategic proposal should look at existing air traffic control as well as runway and terminal capacities and then should define strategic objectives for the phased expansion or development of new or existing airports.
An example whereby this holistic strategic approach has been well adopted can be cited by the British government (Department for Transport), which created and developed The South East and East of England Regional Consultation Document. This specific paper was based on the results of the South East and East of England Regional Air Services (SERAS) Study. This document included proposals for different amounts of new runway capacity as well as options that limit development in the South East of England at a strategic level. While the SERAS document is specific to the region in question, it does demonstrate the necessary level of governmental strategic thinking that is required and represents an excellent benchmark in this regard for governments worldwide.
Generally the formal planning sequence which is followed is denoted by the following stages. It should be noted that national government planning sequence variations are likely to occur:
Stage 1. Review of Governmental National Planning Strategy for ATC/Runways/Airport Infrastructure.
Stage 2. Preparation of Initial Master Plan for Proposed International/Regional Airport.
Stage 3. Review of Local Community's Sensitivities.
Stage 4. Refinement of Master Plan.
Stage 5. Planning Application.
Stage 6. Planning Appeal (as necessary).
Stage 7. Planning Decision.
The national plan should be developed in consultation with all airport operators, national and international commercial interests, airlines and IATA, and should address the following issues for the perceived 30 year development period:
• National commercial and political objectives where government and financial institutions seek to expand regions within a nation for development or continued expansion.
• Existing airline routes and the viability of new routes.
• Ecological and environmental impact of airport and flight operations to new or expanded existing airports.
• Commercial impact studies on existing airports, airlines and handling agents, including those pertaining to cargo operations.
• Rail and road impact studies.
• Impact on existing and future aircraft traffic movements.
• Commercial impact on local businesses and employment rate variations.
• Social impact on residential areas surrounding the airport.
• Identification and impact on areas of natural beauty, historic sites and religious monuments.