Airport managers are meeting with residents

Managers at the airport, located at Castle Donington in Leicestershire, are proposing a second flight path to deal with increased passenger demand.

People living under the suggested new route in eastern Leicestershire say they are concerned about increased noise and a negative effect on house prices.

The proposals would mean aircraft flying about 2,500 feet above Sileby, Thrussington and Walton on the Wolds and as low as 4,000 feet above Leicester.

Unspoiled spot

East Midlands Airport spokeswoman Louise Hodson said the airport is working to ensure noise disruption caused by flights is kept to a minimum.

A meeting to discuss the proposals is being held in Billesdon on Tuesday evening.

This is a beautiful unspoiled spot and we want to keep it that way Lord Hazlerigg

Resident Peter Balmbra from Hoton said: "The noise can be quite terrific and wake you up."

Another Leicestershire resident Steve Charlish said: "There is a lot of noise and pollution associated with low-flying planes - and East Midlands has unrestricted night-flying."

"There are 59 scheduled night flights at the airport every day," he said.

He called for more consultation on the proposed plans.

Lord Hazlerigg, whose family has lived at Noseley Hall near Market Harborough in Leicestershire for more than 600 years, said: "People are horrified and will fight this all the way.

"This is a beautiful unspoiled spot and we want to keep it that way."