South Cambs MP Anthony Browne has taken his concerns about the increase in plane travel over villages in his constituency to the Minister for Aviation.

Alongside Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, Mr Browne met with the Minister for Aviation, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, to discuss changes to flight paths into Luton Airport.

Residents have written to Mr Browne reporting changes to their quality of life because of flightpath changes, resulting in sleepless nights and even relapses into PTSD.

A meeting with the Minister and officials has led to a commitment to reviewing the CAP1616 process, which governs changing airspace to ensure there is a more independent review once new flightpaths are implemented.

The Civil Aviation Authority has now agreed to extend the post implementation review into the flightpaths. 

Royston Crow: South Cambs MP Anthony Browne spoke to the Aviation Minister about noise disturbance from Luton AirportSouth Cambs MP Anthony Browne spoke to the Aviation Minister about noise disturbance from Luton Airport (Image: London Luton Airport)

This process, allowing residents to give feedback having lived for a while under the changes, will now close three months later than planned in September 2023, so the effects can be seen over the busy summer holiday period.

Mr Browne said: "It is important that Luton Airport, NATS (National Air Traffic Service), and the CAA do not overlook the concerns of residents, nor neglect the human impact of their projects.

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"At the heart of this campaign are residents who are suffering, some of whom moved into our area to avoid exactly this kind of disruption. I will continue to fight for them.

"Now, we must ensure local people are always provided with the opportunity to express their views on proposed changes, and transform the process for flightpath implementation.

"I would like to thank the minister for her constructive and supportive engagement."

According to Luton Airport, the airspace change was implemented in February 2022 to simplify arrival routes for flights into the airport and separate them from Stansted's, following an extensive public consultation.

A Luton Airport spokesperson said: "All data gathered post-implementation will be submitted along with all complaints received via the correct/appropriate channels to help inform the decision-making process."

Mr Browne is also calling for NATS to revise their guidance to reflect differing ambient noise levels in rural and urban areas.