FOLLOWING a presentation by Julian Richardson and Gavin Spink from Lasham Gliding Society, Bramshott and Liphook parish councillors have given their response in connection with TAG Farnborough’s plans to increase the number of flights over East Hampshire.

Under TAG’s airspace consultation the airport is planning to move the southern arrival route west, lowering it from 4,500 to 3,500 feet above sea level, which brings the flightpath directly over Bramshott and Liphook.

According to Mr Richardson, the proposal will result in additional noise and pollution from jets flying much lower, under higher power settings and in a concentrated flight path. Councillors strongly objected to the proposed increased single concentration on flights and felt it would have a detrimental effect on the parish in relation to the environment, conservation, business and tourism and the South Downs National Park’s special qualities.

They also pointed out the additional consultation process, which finished on November 2, did not give residents sufficient time to read and understand the technical information provided by TAG Farnborough in order to respond properly.

In addition, the parish council stated insufficient information – such as an impact assessment – had been provided to enable the parish and residents to make a detailed and considered response to this consultation and on the detrimental impact this will have on the parish and surrounding areas.

Councillors concluded at their meeting on October 31, that the consultation had “failed to provide adequate information” and the parish council agreed to ask for the consultation to be extended with much more explanation given in order to respond adequately to the proposals.

As part of the consultation, East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, EHDC leader Ferris Cowper and executive officer Tom Horwood will be meeting representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority on Tuesday, November 22.

TAG Farnborough currently has 25,000 aircraft movements per year and consent to double existing flights to 50,000 per year by 2019, with potential increases after that.

It is understood the proposals will be assessed by the Civil Aviation Authority under section 62 of the 1995 Environment Act, and all public bodies and utilities also have a duty to take into consideration the purposes, and special qualities, for which the South Downs National Park was designated.