Battle promised over fears of more planes above Redbridge

TOWN Hall chiefs have vowed to fight any growth in flights over Redbridge after the High Court threw out a request to scrap an airport’s expansion plans.

London City Airport in Docklands has been granted permission for an extra 40,000 flights a year.

Two judges dismissed an appeal by campaign group Fight the Flights.

Flights already pass over Wanstead and parts of Seven Kings and Ilford at between 1,000-2,000ft.

Stressing it will fight the corner of residents, a spokesman for Redbridge Council told the Recorder: “Redbridge Council has been very concerned at the increased noise nuisance to local residents caused by changes to flight paths to airports in and around London.

“The council has asked to be consulted on proposals which involve any further changes to modes and hours of operation, flight paths or number of aircraft movements and will continue to oppose any change which brings increased noise and disruption to the borough’s residents.”

Richard Gooding, chief executive of the airport, said bosses were “delighted” with Thursday’s decision to uphold the planning approval granted by Newham Council in 2009.

But opposition has been voiced by both residents and politicians.

Roger Evans, London Assembly member for Havering and Redbridge, said: “Residents in my constituency are bound to notice an increase in noise pollution that will result from this ruling.”

Resident Shelley Cranfers, of Draycot Road, Wanstead, said: “The airport already brings disturbance and pollution for us.”