A CONTROVERSIAL proposal by TAG Farnborough Airport to introduce an area of new lower "controlled" airspace around the airport - far in excess of that required by business aviation - is fuelling fears that TAG could recognise its ambition to secure reliever status for London's major airports.

Measuring twice the volume of the "controlled" area around London Gatwick, if allowed, critics believe that not only would it cause a level of noise pollution not currently experienced in the skies over East Hampshire, but it would shrink the area of "free" and uncontrolled air space, which could have an adverse impact on flight safety.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald