Airport noise plan under scrutiny

people are being urged to comment on noise from East Midlands Airport as part of a consultation exercise.

European Union rules mean the airport must produce a report on its noise impact by the end of the year.

The consultation will see a series of roadshows offering local communities, councils and other groups the chance to discuss the issues.

Plans to extend the airport runway have faced opposition from residents worried about greater night time disruption.

'Right balance'

The consultation period will run until 21 October, with public meetings at Bill Shone Leisure Centre, Melbourne, on 21 July, Castle Donington Village Hall on 25 August and Kegworth Parish Council Rooms on 29 September.

East Midlands Airport's Director of Sustainability, Neil Robinson, said: "The airport is an important part of the region, employing more than 7,000 people and providing travel opportunities to over 90 destinations.

"We take the negative impact of our operations very seriously, particularly the impact on our closest neighbours."

He added: "We hope this consultation will allow the local community another valuable opportunity to feed back their views and help the airport strike the right balance between reducing the negative impact and the substantial benefits the airport brings to the regional economy."

Plans to extend the runway by about 190m (623ft) to make it 3.08km (1.91 miles) long, allowing direct flights to the US, are currently being considered by North West Leicestershire District Council .