SOUTHEND Airport could be forced to soundproof, or even buy up, homes because of noisy planes, it has been revealed.

As part of the deal for its expansion, airport bosses have agreed to shell out for any properties rendered “unsaleable” by their position within flightpaths.

Residents will have to experience noise levels equivalent to a hair dryer being constantly blown before the clause can be activated.

Alastair Welch, the airport’s managing director, said: “If properties experience more than a certain amount of increased noise, then we will have to offer to buy those properties.

“Equally, if properties have a smaller increase in noise, we will have to offer to insulate them.

“There are a number of restrictions upon us.”

As part of the planning permission for the 300m runway extension, granted by Southend Council in 2009, the airport had to sign up to certain limits on the amount of noise it could generate as well as placing restrictions on night flights.

Now if the noise from planes exceeds 69 decibels over a 16-hour period, between 7am to 11pm, the airport is required to offer to buy affected homes for their market value – assuming the owner wants to sell.

In homes which register 63 decibels over the same period, the airport must offer to install double glazing or other types of sound insulation.

The requirements are similar to those at other airports in busy areas, including London City and Heathrow.

However, the noise is averaged over that period, meaning residents could experience much louder sounds for a brief period and yet not breach the decibels limit.

The airport currently predicts about 50 homes will fall within 63 decibels zone – and none will experience noises in excess of the 69 decibels.

However, the figures are only estimates and real records will not be available until the main passenger flights begin next April.

Ray Johnson, 65, has lived in his home in Flemming Avenue, Leigh, for 26 years.

He said: “I quite often hear flights overhead. Sometimes they’re so loud they can rattle my windows. It only takes a few noisy flights a day to ruin someone’s home.”