Airport flight increase rejected

Opponents raised concerns about safety and increased noise

Plans to almost double the number of aircraft taking off from Farnborough airport have been rejected.

Rushmoor Borough Council turned down the proposals because of a possible increase in noise levels and safety concerns from residents.

Airport owner TAG Aviation wanted to raise the total number of take-offs from 28,000 to 50,000 a year, with more traffic at weekends and bank holidays.

It said it was "disappointed" and an increase would have created 1,500 jobs.

Thousands of people responded to a consultation issued by the council with many objections raised.

'More rigorous'

At the meeting on Wednesday night, the public gallery at the three and half hour-long council meeting was packed with residents.

Council planners had recommended that the plans be approved.

TAG said it would have tackled any noise issue, had a commitment to developing a low-carbon airport and had also ruled out an additional runway or terminal being be built.

One opponent of the expansion, Brian Fyfe, told the BBC: "The safety case wasn't met, the noise case wasn't met.

"They will be back, but I think they will have to be much more rigorous".

Brandon O'Reilly, chief executive of the airport, said it was now in the process of deciding what to do next.

"It has been a full and frank exchange and a decision has been taken, we are disappointed by it," he added.

It can appeal against the decision which could be heard by planners at central government.