THE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is beiong urged to reject plans to alter flights paths over East Hampshire.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) fears the proposed changes would damage the environment and the local economy.

Controversial proposals to introduce a new area of ‘controlled’ air space around TAG Farnborough Airport are currently with the CAA for consideration and last Thursday they were debated by the council.

Members heard the changes would lead to more flights at lower altitudes over large parts of East Hampshire, affecting Alton, Bentley, Binsted, Four Marks, Kingsley, Selborne, West Worldham, Petersfield, Liphook, Liss, Grayshott and Whitehill Bordon.

There was real concern that the flights would lead to increased noise and air pollution over the South Downs National Park.

The resulting restriction in uncontrolled air space could put ground general aviators, such as Lasham Gliding Society.

Keith Godfrey, former chairman of Colemore and Priors Dean Parish Meeting, who has been flying aircraft since 1959, said the “selfish and greedy” proposals would create “a super flyway for the super privileged who have little interest in what they are spoiling.”

Pointing out that the large passenger jets that use the airport carry as few as “five, two or even just one” passengers, he added: “They jump into their limousines and go into London. They add nothing to the local economy. This proposal should not even be discussed. There is no need to enlarge air space.”

Andy Beattie, of the South Downs National Park Authority, said it would “unnecessarily create issues for communities” and Mark Davison, of Whitehill Town Council, said: “This is a great concern and would lead to more and more aircraft over the town.”

Julian Richardson, of Lasham Gliding Society, said: “There is no data published to justify an increase in the airspace area.

“What they are asking to do is similar to building a motorway next to a village but they’re saying they won’t use it.”

EHDC leader Ferris Cowper said: “We do not believe that the case for these changes has been properly made but there is no doubt that residents in East Hampshire would suffer from more noise and more flights at lower altitude if these plans go ahead.”