The tranquillity of the countryside could be shattered by forecast growth in air traffic says a new report published this week.

For the first time, the Government's options for expansion have been analysed for their implications for future flight paths and holding 'stacks' used to regulate planes landing.

The publication draws on research undertaken for the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) by respected consultants TRL.

Key conclusions from the research include:

• 606,000 people - the equivalent to twice the population of Coventry would be 'seriously affected' by noise by 2030.
• An area the size of Cheshire would be seriously affected by aviation noise by 2030, much of it tranquil countryside.
• Three new holding 'stacks' over rural areas would be required, probably near Chelmsford, Ashford, and in the Midlands.
• More planes overhead - there will be a significant increase in the frequency of flights, with some flight paths seeing more than 60 planes an hour.
• Noise reaching new areas. An entirely new flight path along the east coast of England may be needed which could include flying over the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
• Countryside fears. The way the Government measures noise is ill-suited to assessing its impact on rural areas and under-estimates its effects.

Paul Hamblin, CPRE's Head of Transport Policy, said:

'The problems of disturbance immediately around airports are well known - but our research shows that fewer and fewer areas will be immune from the effects of noise. Rather than runaway runways and noise filled skies the Government should put demand management policies at the heart of its Air Transport White Paper.”

“The quality of life of over half a million people now lie in the hands of the Secretary of State for Transport. They will be hoping he doesn't pander to the well-resourced special pleading of an industry pushing for expansion.”