A FORMER air traffic controller says passenger jets taking off from an airport on Cliffe Marshes would pass over Maidstone and the surrounding area at heights of about 4,500ft to 5,000ft.

Bearsted councillor Allan Bradshaw, an air traffic controller for more than 30 years, was disputing a figure of 9,000ft reported to a cabinet meeting of Maidstone Borough Council.

Cllr Bradshaw (Con) said that heavy passenger planes taking a departure path over the radio beacon at Detling were likely to be flying at between 4,500ft and 5,000ft with a marked increase in noise resulting. He added that to accommodate planes flying at that height the whole of controlled air space over the South East would have to be reorganised.

As a result of Cllr Bradshaw's comments the cabinet decided to include concerns over aircraft noise in the council's response to the Government's consultation document, The Future of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East.

Cllr John Williams (Lib Dem) said he was worried about the levels of noise that would really have to be endured in Maidstone if an airport at Cliffe went ahead. He said: "I believe they are glossing over the noise level in this town. "I think we should make a real note about that."

Cllr Malcolm Robertson (Lib Dem) said: "What it rather seems to indicate, something that a number of people have guessed is the case, is that this proposal for Cliffe isn't really serious at all but is a kite flying exercise.

"However, we have still got to take it seriously because there are a lot of different axes being ground by a lot of different parties."

Cllr Bradshaw said: "It may be a kite flying exercise. What I think personally and privately is that the proposal envisages the use of technology we haven't yet got."

Independent Cllr Mike FitzGerald said he was in favour of a two-runway airport being built at Cliffe, arguing it would secure the future of the borough.

But Cllr Roger Berriman (Lab) said: "I think it would be appropriate for us to join with the KCC and other agencies in opposing this. There are airports that should be capable of taking expansion and new people.

"I am very concerned about the devastating impact this would have on the environment of that area."

Council leader Cllr Mick Stevens (Lib Dem) added: "On balance I think I would oppose it but speaking purely parochially there are potential economic benefits for Maidstone. Unless we take action and diversify we are not going to increase employment and wages."

The council is to tell the Government that an airport at Cliffe would have an adverse environmental impact on the Maidstone area as well as providing significant development and tourism opportunities.

It will also be asking the Government to reassess its proposals for air transport over the next 30 years and include another runway at Gatwick among the options.