Cut Heathrow 'stacking', say MPs

Guidelines allow "unchecked aviation" over sensitive areas, one MP said

The government must reduce the number of planes that are allowed to "stack" over south-east England, MPs have said.

The Commons transport committee says stacking - where planes fly holding patterns before landing - need to be cut if a third runway is to be built.

It also says ministers should examine limiting noise levels and aircraft numbers over beauty spots.

According to the report, excessive stacking by Heathrow-bound flights had "negative environmental impacts".

But it added: "A third runway at Heathrow, if built, offers a real opportunity to add resilience into the air traffic management system and to help reduce excessive stacking.

"If a third runway is built at Heathrow, the government should create a framework for setting targets to eliminate excessive stacking around the airport."

Committee chairman Louise Ellman said the Department of Transport should fund research into how to set useful limits.

She added: "Tranquillity is a key factor in sensitive areas such as national parks.

"Current guidance appears to allow unchecked increases in aviation activity over these areas."