Fight for noise protection: Residents at BER despair because of bureaucratic hurdles

Fight for noise protection: Residents at BER despair because of bureaucratic hurdles

The forest air in Blankenfelde-Mahlow could soon be characterized by a different sound: the outcry of residents who suffer from the aircraft noise from Berlin's BER airport. S. Schmidt, an affected resident, has been fighting for soundproofing measures for her home for years. Despite countless applications and reports, the hoped-for protection has not materialized and the deadline for implementing approved measures is fast approaching. Reported in this context maz online that the situation is particularly tense for the Schmidt family because they own a single-family home that was expanded in the early 2000s, making the sound insulation criteria more complicated.

“I give up!” is Schmidt's desperate exclamation as she explains that the deadline for implementing noise protection measures expires by the end of 2025. This not only means that government funding will expire, but it will also make it difficult for countless applications that are still waiting to be processed. Of a total of 22,789 applications for noise protection measures at BER, no fewer than 8,106 are still unprocessed, as the airport company (FBB) notes.

Unresolved claims

For many residents, such as Julia Hollnagel, who moved into a semi-detached house in February 2021, the reality is even more complicated. They were guaranteed a right to sound insulation, but the promised sum of 14,900 euros is not enough given the massive increase in sound insulation costs. This uncertainty is a further obstacle for many - especially since the FBB also repeatedly makes cuts in the promised amounts, as Hollnagel's neighbor Michael Görick found out.

The regulations on noise protection are clear, but the practical implementation is often a big chaos. For example, residents are not allowed to use all rooms as children's rooms. Ulrich Geske, head of the advice center of the Association of German Property Users (VDGN) in Mahlow, notes that many of those affected often seek support in this confusing matter. The noise protection measures are crucial to ensure the living standards of the residents.

Technological advances

But it is also difficult to find solutions at the political level. Some noise protection measures seem to be working; for example, technological developments have led to quieter aircraft. A look at the past shows us that the noise in air traffic in Germany has been reduced over the years. In 2007, the Aircraft Noise Act was amended, which sets binding protection criteria that include both active and passive noise protection measures, such as the installation of soundproof windows. However, the problem remains for local residents adv.aero describes.

Noise measurements around the commercial airport are required by law, but many residents question whether this is enough to improve quality of life. If the deadlines for noise protection applications pass, there is not only a risk of financial losses, but also the loss of the possibility of protection from the constant aircraft noise, which puts a lot of strain on the neighborhood. The despair of the residents is clearly noticeable - there remains hope that a solution will soon be in sight.