Stansted Airport has launched a consultation on its draft noise action plan, setting out its approach to managing noise and reducing impact on the community.

The five-year action plan, which is the third for the airport, aims to build on measures already in place for managing the effects of aircraft noise.

It proposes a range of measures, including further restricting the use of the noisiest types of aircraft at night, stricter penalties for noisy aircraft and implementing further improvements to the flying accuracy of aircraft using the airport’s departure routes.

The airport says since the publication of its first action plan in 2011, the number of people within Stansted’s noise contours has reduced because of quieter aircraft, a fleet which is one of the most modern in Europe.

Other measures reducing the impact of noise includes the introduction of satellite navigation to further improve aircraft track keeping.

Following a consultation with a range of stakeholders who have an interest in the airport, the plan will be presented for formal adoption by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) next year.

London Stansted chief executive, Ken O’Toole, said: “We recognise some communities around the airport are affected by aircraft noise and we want to work in partnership with residents, airlines, regulatory agencies and the government to reduce these impacts where possible.

“We have made significant progress in this area and, despite the airport’s ongoing growth, the number of people within our noise contours has actually fallen.

“This is largely due to the introduction of new, quieter aircraft and smarter ways of flying, and over the course of the next five years technology will continue to deliver further improvements.”

The consultation runs until October 17.

Visit stanstedairport.com/community.