INSULATION or compensation schemes to curb the impact of aircraft noise from Glasgow Airport could be expanded into Drumchapel following a fresh consultation.

The UK Government has launched a survey on how to grow the aeronautical industry while mitigating noise pollution for communities living near airports.

In 2018, Glasgow Airport approved a noise action plan that is expected to lead to improvements for at least 600 homes in Clydebank, such as new insulation and triple glazed windows.

But if a lower noise limit was approved by the government, properties as far as Kinfauns Drive, in Drumchapel, would receive overhauls. A third of Linnvale would be covered and most of Whitecrook, instead of the current narrow wedge of homes.

Planned new houses to replace the high flats in Clydebank East and the Clydeside development at Yoker would be just outside the area for compensation.

Glasgow Airport last year published noise contour maps showing levels they calculated across the region.

The lowest contour is for 51db, covering all of Whitecrook, Linnvale, half of Drumry, most of Drumchapel and part of Knightswood and Yoker. But it is still above the 45db limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson and campaigners have their eyes set on that much lower limit. Tam Brady, of the Whitecrook Aircraft Noise Association (WANA), said: “Unfortunately the people living under the flight path do not receive information directly from the airport or the government.

“We hope that eligibility for sound insulation measures to be introduced by Glasgow Airport include the 54dB or at least 60dB contour areas.

“The cost of noise mitigation measures should be at absolutely no cost to residents in Whitecrook.”

The consultation on “Aviation 2050” runs until April and Mr Paterson said he would be making a full submission.

He said: “I always welcome changes that will bring a positive effect for those living under the flight path – anything that makes life just that bit more bearable.

“This insulation is a positive step however, it still goes nowhere near what is required in real terms to protect people properly based on the World Health Organisation report published recently.

“The report states that the level for onset of damage to people’s health is significantly lower, at 45dB, than even this new proposal of 60dB.

“So the UK Government need to go much further if we want to make real change for the better.”

The noise contours map is based on averages over 16 hours a day in the summer of planes going over the region, including silent periods.

Campaigners argue these averages are too low and hide the true scale of the biggest and loudest disruption as well as night flights.

Glasgow Airport said they would also make a submission to the UK government and that implementing their insulation policy was “progressing well”.

A spokesman said: “Airports, and aviation in general, are assets of strategic national importance supporting inward investment, our export markets and tourism.

He added: “As key drivers of the economy it’s crucial we have a framework in place and we look forward to engaging with UK Government during the consultation period to better understand its position and share our views.”