Flights every two minutes fear for AONB (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Flights every two minutes fear for AONB

Aircraft will fly over Shropshire every two minutes at peak periods from next March, claims a local district councillor.

This is despite objections from councils, the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty office (AONB) and Ludlow's MP, says Peter Phillips, district councillor for Bishop's Castle.

"The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) blandly states that environmental matters have been dealt with as well as possible. Yet they have ignored all the well-founded objections, some very expert, that were lodged," he said.

"At least they admitted their inability to forecast noise levels and the fact that tranquil areas will suffer noise intrusion far more than urban areas with high ambient noise levels."

A campaign has run throughout the year, with Marches residents asserting and objecting to increasing numbers of flights and noise intrusion over the last 12 months and vehemently objecting to more coming after March.

AONBs in the affected area have objected and the national CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) and its Welsh counterpart also objected strongly.

"South Shropshire District Council lodged its objection," said Councillor Phillips.

"I asked what they would do if there were lots of objections - ie, how genuine was the consultation.

"They never answered that question, which just about sums it up."

Shropshire County Council is not letting the matter rest.

Coun Alan Mosley, who chairs the Environment Scrutiny Panel, has included the issue on the agenda in the New Year.

A keen walker, he is committed to safeguarding rural tranquillity and is concerned about the long-term effects.

"The matter has clearly become one of public concern," he said.

"I am writing to the responsible authorities and local interests inviting their attendance and/or evidence about increased airline traffic and how changes are likely to impact in future.

"Noise and air pollution are serious matters, especially when they affect the enjoyment of England's few remaining tranquil areas - like Shropshire."