Airspace plans could hit breeders

Horse breeding is a major industry across the county of Suffolk

The multi-million pound horse breeding industry in Suffolk could be hit by plans to change flight paths, a leading councillor has warned.

National Air Traffic Services' new plane stacking plans will avoid the horse racing centre of Newmarket.

But the plans will include areas over villages Kettlebaston and Gedding, where major breeders are based.

Suffolk County councillor Eddy Alcock warned that some breeders have threatened to move out of the country.

Breeders are concerned that the aircraft noise could disturb the horses.

"Some of the major players [in horse racing] have said they will move out of the country, to France or Ireland. The loss would be horrific for Newmarket," said portfolio holder for the environment Mr Alcock.

Premature plans

He said the council had serious concerns about the proposals, which were discussed at a meeting of Suffolk County Council's cabinet.

The proposals are for holding or stacking areas for planes which would be due to land at Stansted Airport in Essex and Luton Airport in Bedfordshire.

A council report, backed by the cabinet, questions why airspace plans are being considered before a final decision is made on a new runway at Stansted.

The report also asks why Stansted air traffic can not be held over the sea rather than damaging the tranquillity of the Suffolk countryside.

National Air Traffic Services says new holding areas are needed to meet the increased demand of airports.