AVIATION growth around Southampton cannot come at "any cost" according to a new noise commission.

The new Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN) has set out plans to improve the way that aviation noise is managed across the UK, including around Southampton airport.

This includes providing clear information and guidance around noise, and how airports engage with communities.

The group's aims and objectives for the next two years include looking at the links between aviation noise and health, reviewing how airports engage with communities and improving access to data for the public.

ICCAN head commissioner, Rob Light said: “Noise can be an emotive issue and as such people can feel very strongly about aviation.

"This is something that I have seen first-hand meeting with residents, as well as people from the aviation industry, in and around Southampton airport.

"To see the sort of growth in air travel being planned for the UK, intended to benefit the economy, I believe aviation must be sustainable.

"That means aviation noise should be considered a priority alongside air quality and carbon reduction.

"Aviation growth cannot come at any cost. We will be looking to ensure that aviation noise is better managed, measured and mitigated in the UK."

Since being established earlier this year the commission has met with hundreds of stakeholders to understand issues around aviation noise and hear as many perspectives as possible.

These conversations with airports, airlines and community groups, as well as academics, trade associations, regulators and experts, have helped to shape its strategy.

Rob added: “We are aware that some communities have been left frustrated by previous experiences engaging with their local airports, and we want to help restore trust where it has broken down.

“We will do our best to ensure that communities have access to clear, simple and consistent information, that airports engage more widely with residents and that noise is recognised as a health issue.”

ICCAN provides independent, non-biased advice to government, regulators and the aviation industry on all matters relating to civil aviation noise and how it affects communities.

The Echo is awaiting comment from Southampton Airport.