A CAMPAIGN group has met to discuss the proposed Luton Airport expansion, and is calling for its owners to be more transparent with plans for night flights.

Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (LADACAN) held its annual AGM in Breachwood Green, attracting dozens of residents.

It was to discuss proposals put forward by airport owners London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL) and operators London Luton Airport Operations Ltd (LLAOL), who have announced a joint plan to increase the airport capacity to about 16.5m passengers a year, up from nine million.

Concerns raised by those at the meeting included aircraft noise – particularly during the night – and the lack of clarity over how many more night flights there will be as a result of expansion plans.

LADACAN secretary Roger Wood said: “The last planning permission for the airport included totally meaningless noise restrictions.

“We need to ensure there is much tougher regulation and a far more effective and proactive approach to noise mitigation.”

Mr Wood, along with longstanding campaigner Peter Hunt, also called on those present to raise concerns with their local MPs, and request the future planning application to be called in.

The planning application, expected to be submitted in the autumn, is likely to be determined by Luton Borough Council, which owns the airport through LLAL.

“This proposal has to be determined in coordination with a coherent and sustainable national policy, not on a piecemeal local basis,” added Mr Wood.

LADACAN is also working with parish councils on technical analysis to refute the planning application.

Andrew Lambourne, Hertfordshire Against Luton Expansion (HALE) co-founder and LADACAN press officer said: “If you want your voice to be heard above the noise of passing aircraft, make sure that your local council is fully aware of your concerns.

“It’s up to all of us to rally to the cause, and it’s worth the effort spent writing some letters or emails to get your issues raised.”