EDINBURGH Airport has launched the second stage of its consultation over plans to change flight paths, which could affect Peeblesshire.

The existing flight paths used by aircraft rely on the 1950s technology of ground-based radio beacons. Any new flight paths would be introduced using more accurate forms of navigation called Area Navigation (RNAV). 

In the plans, which can be viewed online, the proposed Route G spans from East Innerleithen and heads north through the Borders and East Lothian to Edinburgh.

The airport’s preferred option is G5, which has a noise impact on the fewest people below 7,000ft, and the lowest CO2 impact.

A spokesperson from the Peebles Community Council told us: “The consultation is clearly focussed more towards the airspace closer to, and immediately around the airport, however there are changes that could increase the number of aircraft flying directly over Peebles, and we need to consider what the impact of this change could be on the town.”

Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, said: “In this second stage of public consultation we will be reaching out again to our neighbouring communities. 

“Our community engagement campaign will be backed up by media advertising and a locally targeted social media campaign to provide information relating to drop-in sessions and links to the feedback pages of the website.

“We will host drop-in sessions in communities and a mobile advertising trailer will be in the area in the days prior to highlight this opportunity.

“In the initial consultation over 5,000 members of the public responded to the consultation. This time, with lines on the map, we look forward to hearing from even more people.

“As with all major infrastructure expansion plans, we know that not everyone will agree with our proposals; therefore we are committed – where people are adversely impacted by changes – to mitigation and compensation measures.” 

To respond to the consultation, visit www.letsgofurther.com or by writing to: Freepost LETS GO FURTHER, The Consultation Co-ordinator, Edinburgh Airport, PO Box 17473, Edinburgh, EH12 1ND.