‘SERIOUS concerns’ about noise and pollution have been raised over plans to increase the volume of air traffic above Peebles. 

An airspace consultation was launched by Edinburgh Airport earlier this year to collect views on the potential impact of altering flight routes above the capital and surrounding areas.

A response form was set up on its website, including a map of each proposed route change, a brief explanation of the routes and where they would impact.

Changes were proposed to flights arriving from the south, increasing the number of arriving aircraft descending over Peebles. 

The plans state that new technology at the airport will enable aircraft to follow a more precise route as they come in to land.

However, concerns have been raised of an increase in aircraft noise, air pollution and planes ‘holding’ over the town.

Peebles Community Councillor Scott Rae was tasked with responding to the consultation.

He told us: “Part of the proposed change means the majority of flights arriving at Edinburgh Airport from the south to both main runways will be routed directly over Peebles, and are likely to be routed more precisely down a flight path centre line over the town, meaning there is likely to be a significant increase in the volume of air traffic flying directly over Peebles.

“Currently flights to Runway 06 [one of two runways at the airport] are mostly routed far to the west of Peebles, and flights to Runway 24 [the other runway] are routed slightly to the east, but also have a wider spread of flight paths. 

“Given the significant amount of open countryside either side of Peebles, we would propose moving the route, and associated holding pattern, slightly east or west of that proposed to avoid impacting the population centre of Peebles.

“Additional disruption will come from plans to move the holding pattern currently over the Tweed, eastwards. The northern leg of the planned holding pattern – the one aircraft are most likely to use – is directly over Peebles. 

“Aircraft are likely to be accelerating when departing this holding pattern, which will have an associated noise impact directly over a population centre, rather than open countryside as with the current hold around the Tweed.”

Scottish Borders Greens said: “The Scottish Greens addressed this very issue in the Scottish Parliament last month, given the lack of information on the social, economic or environmental impact of the proposed routes. It is clear that the assessments simply have not been done. 

“We have serious concerns around risks to local residents from increased noise and air pollution and we are calling for full assessments to be carried out immediately before any further action is taken.

“Beyond the air and noise pollution issues, we are seriously concerned about the lack of democratic involvement of the people who could be affected by such changes. 

“It’s vital that local people have a say over the decisions that affect them, particularly when those decisions concern a mode of transport whose emissions contribute significantly to climate change and whose effects could be very serious for our town.

“It is crucial for the environment and our democratic processes that Edinburgh Airport, NATS and the CAA listens to and responds to the concerns expressed by the people of Peebles.”

The consultation can be viewed at: http://www.letsgofurther.com/consultation-material