Noise from aircraft to be challenged in court

A Suffolk resident has won the right to challenge the introduction of controversial new flight patterns in East Anglia's "Constable country" which he claims disturb his peace.

A Suffolk resident has won the right to challenge the introduction of controversial new flight patterns in East Anglia's "Constable country" which he claims disturb his peace.

Thomas Hill, a barrister from Bentley, near Ipswich, claims the noise of aircraft has intruded on his life since a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decision in March to change "controlled airspace" patterns.

John Steel QC, for Mr Hill, gave evidence to the High Court in which local people backed Mr Hill's complaints of increased noise. One spoke of having to wear ear-plugs in bed. The claim was backed by the 800-strong Dedham Vale Society.

The legal arguments pivot on claims that the CAA's consultation procedures failed to disclose the extent of the flightsand that the noise contravenes European human rights laws.

Mr Justice Harrison gave Mr Hill permission to have the CAA's decision judicially reviewed, saying the issues raised were "highly important" public interest matters affecting thousands of local people.