CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed a consultation on trials to reduce noise pollution on departure routes from Stansted Airport.

Planes taking off on the Clacton and Detling routes have been involved in a trial using a new Global Positioning System (GPS) to stop them veering off course.

The technology could also be used for planes taking off on the second Clacton route which passes over Stebbing, Rayne and Great Notley.

While fewer people overall might be affected by noise the number of planes could be concentrated in smaller areas.

Martin Peachey, of Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE), backed the group's position that any change to flight paths would create “winners and losers” and urged residents to take part in the survey.

He said: “The government’s environmental guidance for airspace up to 4,000ft is to minimise the noise impact of aircraft and the number of people significantly affected by it.

“The introduction of satellite-based precision navigational aids enable more efficient flight operations with associated benefits to communities living around airports and under flight paths.

“These trials have shown that it is possible to tailor flight paths to reduce the numbers of people currently overflown.”

Participating flights affected 85% fewer people, compared with current departure routes.

The consultation closes on November 27 and can be viewed at stanstedairport.com/consultation.