EAST Hampshire’s MP Damian Hinds has added his voice to recent concerns regarding the airspace change proposal from TAG Farnborough Airport.

The airport hopes to introduce a new area of “controlled” airspace for its planes and has recently re-opened consultations, but only for some residents and interested parties.

After initial consultations in 2014, “some aspects of the proposal” have changed, including proposed flight paths in the north of Hampshire, West Sussex and parts of the South Downs National Park.

This modification alters the “spread” of one of the proposed arrival paths and would, TAG said, reduce the total amount of new controlled airspace they need.

It would also “simplify the crossing point with another route” and improve “the overall efficiency of the proposed design” - making things, the airport said, even safer than before.

But with this has come criticisms from some who are opposed to the plans, fearing they will lead to increased air movements overhead which will be lower and therefore louder. Last week East Hampshire District Council leader, Ferris Cowper, fiercely condemned the scheme and said that if it was allowed to go ahead it would be “a blight on East Hampshire’s countryside, residents and businesses”.

Mr Hinds has also been a long-term opponent of the plans.

He told the Herald: “News that TAG is conducting a new, more limited, consultation on a revised part of their airspace change proposal is concerning.

“Along with many residents and local councils, I remain opposed to the potential impact the proposal could have on our local communities.

“As reported in the Herald last week, I am particularly concerned that some of the areas affected by this may not have been formally consulted, and with only an eight-week period of consultation, there is pressure on local councils to get the right level of expert advice before needing to make their submissions.

“I am also surprised that the only public meetings being held by TAG are both in Midhurst, particularly given the direct impact this could have on the residents of Liphook. I will be engaging with key stakeholders in the next few weeks and making my own submission as part of the consultation and would encourage everyone to look closely at the details and submit their feedback well before the deadline on the October 5.”

TAG Farnborough Airport currently uses Class G airspace (uncontrolled airspace), which is shared with other airports and general aviation users. The proposed change would essentially mean it would have its own airspace in which to operate.

Internationally renowned Lasham Gliding Society has also criticised the proposal which could impact seriously on its operation and, ultimately, could spell the end of the club.

Despite the controversies, TAG Farnborough has maintained that its plans will make things safer and “more predictable” for all airspace users. If the proposal is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, TAG said there will be a “net reduction in people overflown” as they will be able to operate in a more precise way.

TAG Farnborough is exclusively for business aviation. To comment on the consultation, which runs until October 5, visit consultation.tagfarnborough.com.