Low Dover departures from EGLL

[poke53281]

What/whom is it that determines the climb restriction on say a DVR departure from LHR ?

For what reason are they kept low.

Not complaining - Had a good view tonight out the back of some heavies under 10K departing over West Malling, Kent -lights a blaze ! Flight radar reported 6k.

They are normally well above that by the time they reach here.

Just wondered if there's any ATC experts out there.

Cheers

[parabellum]

I think Gatwick arrivals may be something to do with it?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

The obvious restriction is the Biggin hold. Outbounds often have to stay at 6000 ft until clear of BIG. Beyond BIG there is other traffic too. It's a very complex bit of airspace. As for whom determines it.... the LTMA SE sector controller.