MORE than 133,000 "noisy and polluting" planes fly over Redbridge every year - but most of them come from Heathrow, according to new research by a lobby group.
The figures, compiled by anti-airport expansion campaign group HACAN, suggest that only one in four aircraft travelling over the borough use nearby London City Airport, with the rest coming from the capital's western transport hub.
The researchers put the statistics down to the widening of “flight arcs” for planes using Heathrow in recent months, which have seen them fly further over outer London as they come in to land.
The news comes amid growing concern from residents and local politicians over the impact of noise from planes in the borough, although many have previously pinned the blame primarily on City Airport.
Despite this, campaigners say the research demonstrates the need to fight further increases, such as Newham Council's recent decision to allow an extra 50,000 flights to and from the airport every year.
Anne-Marie Griffin, of Fight the Flights group, said, “We are living under London’s forgotten flight paths. Already the noise is intolerable in many areas. It will only get worse if City Airport is allowed to increase flights by 50 per cent.”
HACAN chair John Stewart added: “This survey shows very clearly that aircraft noise has become a London-wide problem."
However campaigners say the number of planes noticeably affecting residents in Redbridge could actually be lower because their figures do not take into account the height of planes.
They also say there are parts of the borough which are not affected by aircraft noise.
Airport bosses have defended recent increases in flights, saying such moves help the economy of East London and help provide extra jobs for residents.
A public meeting by campaigners is due to be held next Friday (October 2) from 7pm at the Quaker Meeting House in Bush Road, Leytonstone, to discuss the issue of flights over East London.
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