EAST Hampshire District Council is demanding information on plans to alter the airspace around TAG Farnborough Airport.

Councillors expressed “deep concerns” about the noise and environmental impact of proposals which “would lead to more planes flying lower over parts of East Hampshire”.

Adam Carew, a county, district and town councillor, said the plans would be “an unmitigated disaster for Whitehill and Bordon” and its regeneration.

During a full district-council debate last Thursday, councillors said they needed more information from TAG detailing noise levels and pollution.

Council leader Ferris Cowper and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds have asked to discuss the plans with the Civil Aviation Authority.

TAG currently uses airspace which is uncontrolled and shared with other airports and general-aviation users. But it wants to introduce a new area of controlled airspace, which it says will make movements safer and more predictable.

The airport submitted an airspace-change proposal to the Civil Aviation Authority. But now some aspects of the proposal have changed, the issue is again open to consultation until November 2.

“I opposed TAG Farnborough’s plans last time and I do so again,” Mr Carew told the Herald.

“I am not opposed to TAG per se as it is a vital part of the Hampshire economy but its latest plans will be an unmitigated disaster for Whitehill and Bordon and a number of neighbouring parishes who will be directly under its low-level flight path.

“Not only will it impact on our existing residents, but I believe it could seriously affect the viability of our new Green Town.

“Who would want to come and invest here or buy homes here if they have to live with unacceptable noise levels all day?

“TAG claims the noise will be no greater than standing next to a vacuum cleaner, but has this been tested? I can tell you that even standing a metre away from our Hoover I cannot have a conversation over it. Should our residents really have to put up with this?

“We are surrounded by some of the rarest and finest heathland habitats in the world - these are internationally protected and rarer than rainforest.

“This land supports rare and endangered species including nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warblers. I am sure they would be adversely affected by the noise and vibration which will add significantly to the accepted noise of military ranges. Many live in this area because of the countryside feel and when we are told the new controlled airspace will result in RAF Odiham twin-blade Chinooks flying even lower over our community it sets alarm bells ringing.”