THE number of planes flying over residential areas and quiet green spaces could change as flight paths to and from Gatwick Airport go under review.
Gatwick chiefs have launched the second phase of their airspace consultation, which gives residents a first look at proposed new flight paths into and out of the airport, and lets them have their say.
The new routes are currently just proposals, but when they come into effect it could mean residents who currently experience no aircraft noise could have planes just 4,000 feet overhead.
The plans, which can be viewed online, lay out approach and departure paths in the form of noise preferential routes (NPR) – narrow corridors which aircraft aim to fly in to minimise the number of people affected.
While the changes could see an increase in the number of planes over Salfords, Sidlow and South Holmwood, some of the proposals could see a reduction in flights over Charlwood and parts of Redhill.
Tom Denton, head of Corporate Responsibility at London Gatwick, said: "Our local residents and communities are a key priority when it comes to airspace change.
"We want to minimise noise for as many people as we possibly can and, where that's not possible, offer respite options as a mitigating measure."
This phase of the consultation, which runs until August 14, follows an initial consultation in January, in which residents laid out the areas they would like to see avoided by new flight paths.
The current proposals were then drawn up and at the end of this latest consultation, Gatwick bosses and the National Air Traffic Services – the body which controls the UK's airspace – will consider new precise flight paths for the airport.
Improved technology means the new paths will be much tighter than the current approach and departure routes. As a result, those living and working below the paths could find themselves hearing and seeing more planes overhead.
But campaign group the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC) has decried the consultation documents as too complex and called on residents to hold public meetings.
John Byng, vice chairman of GACC, said: "Many people are telling us that the flight path document is difficult to understand.
"The proposals affect each area differently, so we believe that local meetings are the best answer."
The proposals do not take into account any possible future runway developments at the site.
Visit www.gatwickairport.com/gatwickairspaceconsultation to see the proposals and to comment. You can also comment through your MP or councillors.
