SOUTHEND Airport bosses claim their plans for a £35million expansion will not lead to a rise in aircraft noise, but refused to rule out the possibility of night flights increasing.

Alastair Welch, managing director of the airport, said the proposed extension of the runway, a new rail station and refurbishment of the terminal building were essential in maintaining and growing business at the airport.

He spoke at a meeting of Chalkwell Residents’ Association just days after the Echo revealed logistics company Eddie Stobart was poised to buy the airport.

Mr Welch said he was confident of securing a buyer for the airport who would support the expansion plans, but refuted claims this would lead to more noisy flights over residents’ homes.

He said: “My hope is we can create a compelling reason for people to want to use Southend Airport.

“But that does not mean an increase in noise. With modern technology, a longer runway would mean we could have larger, newer aircraft which actually create less noise.

“We have many companies who would like to buy the airport, and we are making sure they are committed to the investment programme.”

However, Mr Welch refused to promise night flights would not increase if the runway was expanded and more airlines were enticed to the airport.

He said the airport was currently operating well within the lease restrictions on the number of night flights, and confirmed any increased traffic would also be subject to the same restrictions.

He said: “My aim is not to create a huge passenger night-flight business.

“The ideal solution if the runway expansion goes ahead would be to form a subcommittee of interested parties to discuss the issue of night flights.

“We hope there will be sufficient flexibility within the lease to not need to renegotiate the terms of it.”