AN expert has told the public inquiry into the proposed expansion of Stansted airport that another 23,000 flights a year would cause a totally unacceptable amount of noise nuisance.

AN expert has told the public inquiry into the proposed expansion of Stansted airport that another 23,000 flights a year would cause a totally unacceptable amount of noise nuisance.

But the evidence given to the inquiry on noise is only concerned with those living closest to the airport - and does not take into account the extra noise suffered by people living under flightpaths further away.

In Suffolk, people have been noticing a big increase in the roar of jet planes since airspace was increased by 30 per cent three years ago - with an estimated 1,200 planes now going over different parts of the county each day.

At times, three or even four planes can be seen in the sky at once and the sound of one passing merges into the arrival of the next causing a constant drone, ruining the county's peaceful and tranquil nature.

Martin Peachey, a retired air traffic management and airport systems manager, representing the Stop Stansted Expansion group, said a rise to 35 million passengers every year on the existing runway would create “a totally unacceptable amount of noise nuisance”.

“If planning permission were to be granted, the noise impacts of BAA's proposal would be considerable and would have severe implications in terms of noise disturbance for the community,” he said.

“Noise impacts needs to be looked at in the round - the combination of air noise, ground noise and surface access noise - in order to fully assess and understand their scale.

“BAA has declined to provide the information that would enable us to do that. Nevertheless, there is enough information to indicate that the overall noise impacts of the proposed development would be wholly unacceptable.”

BAA believes there will be overwhelming economic benefits to the region from increasing use of the runway as well as the project being in line with government policy on the future of air travel.

Tickets are on sale for a Polar Bears Picnic to be held at the Gardens of Easton Lodge, Little Easton, near Great Dunmow, on August 12 at noon when children are invited to bring teddies of all kinds - not just polar bears.

The event, organised by Stop Stansted Expansion, is a variation on the teddy bears picnic to emphasis the impact of an expanded Stansted Airport on not only the local community but internationally because of climate change, including the natural habitat of polar bears.

Tickets are £15 for a family of four or £4.20 single tickets on 01279 870558.

Are you concerned at the increasing drone of jet planes in Suffolk's skies? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk