Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, backs criticism of London City Airport consulation into flight path changes

A debate took place at the full Redbridge council meeting, at 7.15pm last night at the town hall in Ilford.

Under the current proposal, most planes travelling to and from London City Airport would be installed with new navigation technology, enabling flights to use a narrower flight corridor over Leyton, Leytonstone and Wanstead.

Labour councillors Sheila Bain and Paul Merry handed in a motion to Redbridge council calling for it to write to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) asking for the current consultation to be scrapped.

This was agreed in a council vote after a debate.

During the debate Cllr Merry described the consultation as “the most sneaky consultation I have ever seen” and Cllr Gwyneth Deakins said the online document was "far too technical for members of the public".

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “I raised the issue with the Mayor of London and Boris agreed the consultation should be extended and done again properly.

“At the very least local people affected need to be consulted and asked of their opinion and this was not done.

“There is anger amongst residents of increased disruption and increased aircraft noise.

“The council has decided to write to the CAA to express its disappointment that the airport has decided to not consult with residents.”

Earlier this month in front of a packed audience at Wanstead Library, John Stewart of HACAN East said the proposals would cause a "noise ghetto" for people living in Wanstead.

London City Airport has denied throughout that the proposals would make any significantly noticeable difference to noise.

It said it was following CAA consultation guidelines “to the letter” and asked anyone with issues to raise to get in touch with the CAA.

A further public meeting has been arranged for 7pm on Monday at St Andrew Church Community Hall, in Colworth Road, Leytonstone.

The consultation ends on November 27.