THE district council has considered a draft response to the expansion plans for Luton Airport.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, portfolio holder for planning and conservation, is in the process of finalising the consultation response before the deadline on March 26.

London Luton Airport Limited announced earlier this years its plans to increase capacity to 18 million passengers a year, using the existing space.

Public exhibitions have been held and a consultation was launched.

Furious residents in Harpenden and surrounding villages hit out at the proposals when they were revealed, as they feared more flights would create a huge rise in noise and air pollution.

In its response St Albans District Council has highlighted the concerns of residents who are already affected by aircraft noise and the impact expansion would have on local roads and transport such as the A1081, A5183 and B653.

Councillor Heritage said: "Councillors appreciate that many of our residents use the airport and that any expansion could bring more jobs to the district, but these factors should not outweigh concerns over the impact that increased passenger numbers and the inevitable increase in flights would have on the quality of life for residents in the district."

Councillor Heritage said the council is particularly concerned about the night-time noise and the need for the airport to amend its night noise policy by restricting movements during this period.

Despite acknowledging the economics benefits, the council is objecting in principle to the extra passenger numbers.