Thousands of residents back plans for more jobs and less noise at Biggin Hill Airport

More than 15,000 people responded to the consultation with 80 per cent supporting the airport’s plans to create 2,300 jobs and cut its noise footprint in half.

Airport officials invited residents across the borough to respond to bold development plans back in October.

Managing Director Will Curtis said the public’s main concerns during the consultation involved aircraft noise, increased traffic and access to the airport.

The ex-pilot also revealed plans to create a family area at the airport next year where people would be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and watch planes take off and land.

He told News Shopper: "This is as a direct result of the consultation. People asked us, ‘Why can’t I see what goes on up here? It’s too private.’"

"It’s a good community initiative. Children love looking at aeroplanes. I only became a pilot because somebody took me to an airport when I was a kid."

A staggering 14,420 residents supported plans to reduce noise by keeping planes higher for longer, banning light aircraft over residential areas and improved noise monitoring.

More than 13,700 people supported proposals to create jobs and build a new training college to give local youngsters a foot on the ladder in the aviation industry.

Mr Curtis said he hoped young people at schools across Bromley today would end up with the bulk of the 2,300 jobs he plans to create by 2030.

Fewer residents favoured the airport’s plans for longer opening hours with 12,473 residents voting ‘Yes’ or ‘Yes With Reservations’.

But Mr Curtis stressed extended opening hours would mean flights in and out of Biggin Hill would not increase but be spread more evenly across the day.

One lucky resident Gill Fitzpatrick, from Keston, won a £5,000 holiday voucher for taking part in the consultation.

Ten residents received two free tickets to next year’s Festival of Flight which will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.