A SECOND consultation on a controversial plan to alter flight paths over Comet country has been put on hold. The National Air Traffic Service (NATS), which manages Britain s airspace, released plans last year to redirect flights across the South East, inc

A SECOND consultation on a controversial plan to alter flight paths over Comet country has been put on hold.

The National Air Traffic Service (NATS), which manages Britain's airspace, released plans last year to redirect flights across the South East, including flights in and out of Luton.

But, during a consultation, opponents argued the changes would make life a misery for those living in the north of Stevenage and east of Hitchin.

The plan would have seen aircraft flying below 4,000 feet over the Stevenage neighbourhoods of Great Ashby, St Nicholas and the Old Town, including three schools and Lister Hospital, or affecting the east of Hitchin, depending on wind direction.

In response to the public outcry NATS said it would reconsider its plans.

But a consultation on the revised plan, which was initially scheduled for July, has been shelved until at least September next year.