Farnborough Airport's plan to increase flights angers council

The airport wants to increase its annual cap on flights by 40%

A council says it is strongly against an airport's plan to increase flights.

East Hampshire District Council is also unhappy about a lack of communication from Farnborough Airport.

The local authority said the airport's proposals to more than double flights on weekends and holidays would seriously impact residents, businesses and the environment.

The airport said it was "reviewing the feedback to inform our planning application".

The council said it was "disappointed by the lack of direct engagement on the proposals given the district's close proximity to Farnborough Airport".

Councillor Robert Mocatta, member for regeneration and prosperity, believes increasing the quantity of flights will undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Private jets make up the majority of flights at Farnborough

The council also said it would mean more noise pollution for areas like Whitehill & Bordon, Alton, Liphook and Petersfield.

Farnborough Airport wants to move from a cap of 50,000 to 70,000 flights per year.

A spokesperson said: "Farnborough Airport has recently concluded the public consultation on proposed changes... and is grateful for all feedback received.

"We are now considering and reviewing the feedback to inform our planning application submission to Rushmoor Borough Council, who will then carry out their own consultation process on the submitted proposals.

"The airport is a major economic generator for the region, creating 3,000 jobs and generating £200m within the local economy each year. It also has an essential role to play in supporting UK plc and inward investment.

"Given the fundamental importance of business aviation at both on a regional and national level, we remain committed to supporting our users as well as striving to be at the forefront of sustainability within the business aviation sector."