Tunbridge Wells residents could be subjected to noise from planes passing over up to once a minute as the closing date for a consultation on a new flight path into Gatwick approaches.

With the opportunity for public comment closing on Thursday, August 14, campaigners are concerned that Gatwick has not made a substantial effort to publicise or explain proposals to those that could be affected.

The Tunbridge Wells Action Group believes the consultation document released is packed with jargon, and head of the unhappy campaigners, Mark Beaumont, labelled it a “unintelligible and intimidating document” which is difficult to understand.

With the closing date looming there are concerns that it falls in the middle of school holidays, meaning many people may not have had time to comment.

He added: “So many people go away during the summer holidays and I believe many people have not even had the chance to read the difficult document let alone discuss it.”

This is the second Gatwick consultation covering a range of issues including noise and emissions caused by aircraft and night flights which could potentially cause misery for residents living below.

“It seems unfair that residents who have absolutely no control over this proposal will be subjected to flights, which are much noisier than Gatwick seem to understand, every minute” - Mark Beaumont

Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clark, has called for the closing date to be extended, and for industry officials to discuss the content and issues directly with members of the public.

The airport said that maintaining its competitive position in the UK market is important both for Gatwick and communities that benefit from having a commercially successful airport next door.

Mr Beaumont added: “It seems unfair that residents who have absolutely no control over this proposal will be subjected to flights, which are much noisier than Gatwick seem to understand, every minute."

Although Tunbridge Wells may not even be directly affected, Mr Beaumont is concerned about towns and villages 1 or 2 miles either side which could feel the full effects of the new air corridor.