Quiet Progress: How Heathrow is Insulating Homes and Communities from Aircraft Noise
Background
1. What is the Noise Insulation Scheme, and why was it introduced?
Heathrow launched its new Quieter Neighbourhood Support (QNS) programme in 2024 intending to mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on local communities. The QNS includes a range of noise and vortex mitigation schemes including the Residential Insulation Scheme (RIS), the Home Relocation Assistance Scheme (HRAS), the Quieter Schools Programme (QSP) and the Vortex Impact and Prevention Scheme (VIPS).
The Residential Insulation Scheme (RIS) aims to mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on local residential properties by providing up to 100% funding for noise insulation measures in eligible homes.
The Quieter Schools Programme (QSP) is an offer to schools and community buildings which provides eligible buildings with noise insulation and ventilation 100% funded by Heathrow to protect against aircraft noise.
The QNS was introduced to improve the quality of life for residents most affected by aircraft noise, aligning with Heathrow's commitment to being a responsible neighbour.
2. What is the role of the Prioritisation Panel in this scheme?
An independent Prioritisation Panel advises and reviews the phasing around delivery of the different schemes within the QNS, reviewing performance and making recommendations to Heathrow regarding its delivery and special cases applications.. The panel comprises representatives from stakeholder organisations, including the Council for the Independent Scrutiny of Heathrow Airport (CISHA), Heathrow Strategic Planning Group (HSPG), Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN), and the Heathrow Airline Operators Committee (AOC). Their role is to ensure a fair and transparent hierarchy in the rollout of insulation measures.
3. How does the panel decide which locations receive noise insulation support first?
Heathrow, along with its delivery partner shares noise modelling information, proposed delivery programmes and other data to seek the Panel’s recommendations on how best to prioritise delivery of the schemes.
Eligible homes are identified using the noise data which has been used to generate a composite boundary based on several noise metrics, compliant with current UK noise policy. Details of this can be found in the Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 supporting annexes and the prioritisation of locations is determined on an area-by-area basis, focusing on those most affected by aircraft noise.
A postcode checker tool is available online to see if you are in an eligible area: Postcode checker | Heathrow.
Heathrow also shares data on the eligible schools with the Panel to agree on an appropriate prioritisation for the delivery under the QSP.
Decision-Making Process
4. What criteria does the panel use to prioritise applications?
The panel prioritises based on noise exposure levels, proximity to flight paths, and considers how the delivery of insulation packages can be rolled out most efficiently. Homes are assessed individually to determine the appropriate level of acoustic performance improvements needed.
5. How does the panel ensure fairness and transparency in decision-making?
By involving independent members who represent a broad range of stakeholders and using objective data, the panel maintains transparency and fairness in its decisions making. Public facing meeting notes from the quarterly panel meetings are published online (Prioritisation Panel | Heathrow). Updates to the eligibility boundary are made on a periodic basis to ensure the scheme reflects changes in noise exposure over time.
6. Are there any particular areas or properties that get priority?
Yes, properties within the highest noise exposure zones, as identified by the noise modelling, are prioritised. The scheme is delivered in phases, starting with areas most affected by aircraft noise.
Impact and Benefits
7. How does noise insulation improve quality of life for affected residents?
Noise insulation reduces the intrusion of aircraft noise into homes, leading to improved sleep quality, reduced stress, and overall better wellbeing for residents.
8. What types of insulation measures are covered under the scheme?
The residential insulation scheme covers:
· Replacement primary windows or secondary glazing and external doors
· Installation of acoustically rated ventilation in eligible rooms
· Acoustic quilts for roof voids
· Upgrading of ceilings within eligible rooms
These measures aim to enhance the acoustic performance of homes. Similar measures are also considered for school/community buildings.
9. Can businesses or community buildings also benefit from the scheme?
While the RIS focuses on residential properties, Heathrow's Quieter Neighbourhood Support includes the Quieter Schools Programme, which provides noise insulation and ventilation support to schools and community buildings in eligible areas. The Community Building Noise Insulation scheme (CBNIS) provided noise mitigation measures to community centres and care homes some of which are operated by private businesses yet in general commercial property are specifically excluded.
Application Process & Eligibility
10. Who can apply for noise insulation through this scheme?
Properties located within the defined eligibility boundary, based on current UK noise policy, can apply. This boundary is regularly updated to reflect changes in noise exposure. Details of this can be found in the Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 supporting annexes
As the scheme rolls out into new areas, eligible properties will be notified and given the opportunity to sign up. A postcode checker tool is available online to see if you are in an eligible area and to register interest: Postcode checker | Heathrow.
11. How long does it take for an application to be assessed?
The assessment process involves a free independent survey to determine the specific insulation needs of each property. This is followed by a planning phase that require serval months to review the collected data and respond accordingly. This means while exact timelines aren't specified, the phased delivery approach enables eligible residents will be contacted as their area is prioritised.
12. What should applicants include to strengthen their case?
Applicants should ensure their property falls within the eligibility boundary using the postcode checker provided by Heathrow. No additional information is required, as the scheme proactively contacts eligible residents.
13. What happens if an application is unsuccessful?
If a property is deemed ineligible, residents can contact Heathrow's Community Relations team for further information or clarification. Call: 0800 307 7996 email: communityrelations@heathrow.com By Post: Heathrow Community Relations, The Compass Centre, Nelson Road, Hounslow, TW6 2GW
Challenges & Future Plans
14. What are the biggest challenges in prioritising noise insulation projects?
Challenges include accurately identifying areas most affected by noise, coordinating phased delivery effectively, and ensuring the scheme adapts to changes in aircraft operations and noise exposure over time.
15. Is there a long-term strategy to reduce noise pollution beyond insulation?
Minimising the impact of noise is a priority for Heathrow. We have been at the forefront of efforts to tackle noise and as a result Heathrow's noise footprint has shrunk considerably over the past few decades. However, we know noise remains an issue and we continue to make efforts to reduce the impact of noise.
Heathrow's Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 outlines a comprehensive approach to managing and reducing aircraft noise, including operational restrictions, land-use planning, and community engagement initiatives.
16. Are there any upcoming changes or expansions to the scheme?
The RIS aims to insulate around 20,000 homes, with up to £34,000 (adjusted for inflation) invested per eligible property. The scheme is being delivered in phases, with the eligibility boundary regularly updated to reflect changes in noise exposure.
Think you might be eligible?
Use the Postcode Checker to see if your home or school qualifies for free noise insulation.
For questions or help, reach out to their Community Relations team at 0800 307 7996 or communityrelations@heathrow.com