Call for review of night flights

The council claims there are no limits on night flights from Luton Airport

A council is calling on Luton Airport in Bedfordshire to review the number of night flights from its runway.

Dacorum Borough Council has written to the airport urging it to review its Night Noise Policy.

The council says local residents are subjected to twice the number of night flights than take-off from Heathrow.

Leader of the council Andrew Williams called for restrictions in the amount of night-time noise from flights. The airport was unavailable for comment.

Mr Williams said: "Luton Airport places no limit on the number of aircraft that can fly in or out during the night-time, unlike the other major London airports at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

'Restrictions urged'

"This means parts of Dacorum are subjected to significant night-time aircraft noise which has increased steadily in recent years.

"The council is urging the Luton Airport operators to restrict this type of noise.''

The Council is asking London Luton Airport Operations Ltd, to review their current Night Noise Policy to take effect from 1 April 2010.

It is asking for an amendment in the policy limiting the aircraft movements that can operate between 2300 BST and 0600 BST Monday to Saturday and to 0700 BST on Sunday, to at most the current number.

Currently there are 36 movements a night from Luton Airport compared to about 16 from Heathrow.

A spokeswoman for the airport said it was unavailable for comment until Monday.