Air traffic over Sheppey is not excessive, a report has concluded.

A study carried out by Minster Parish Council found up to 30 flights a day cross the Island to and from Southend Airport.

The mix of cargo and passenger planes flew at an average 3,500ft which was not deemed unreasonable compared to traffic on Heathrow and Gatwick airport approaches.

Council member Andrew Parr carried out the month-long investigation via the FlightRadar24 website.

It was in response to “comments” received from members of the public concerned about noise from increased aircraft over Sheppey.

Mr Parr said: “It would be difficult to make a case for a complaint.

“There are something between 20 and 30 flights in total between Southend and Sheppey and the vast majority fly about 3,500ft which is a height we can hear but is not an excessive level by current standards.”

Using the website’s data, which provided the plane’s make, destination and altitude, Mr Parr was able to track aircraft approaches to Southend over Sheerness.

He said departures from the Essex airport caused less noise than arrivals, but all traffic was travelling at a legitimate height.

In comparison, he found Gatwick flights averaged up to 12,000ft near the airport; Heathrow more than 10,000ft, with Luton and Stansted “much higher”.

He said: “It was a very interesting study.

“At present it shows there isn’t anything to complain about, but we will review it if the situation changes.

“In particular, next summer when flights out of Southend will no doubt increase.”