FEARS of a massive increase in low flying planes have led an MP to write to a secretary of state.

John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has asked communities and local Government secretary Hazel Blears for a public inquiry into plans for increased flights from London City Airport.

This follows a decision by Newham Council last week to allow the airport to expand its activities from 79,616 flights a year, to 120,000 - an extra 155 flights a day.

Mr Austin had previously expressed concerns that his constituents in Erith and Thamesmead may not be aware of the proposals because of Newham’s failure to consult them.

In his letter, Mr Austin says: "“Many of my constituents are naturally concerned about increased levels of noise and atmospheric pollution if the planning application were granted.

"If permission is granted for an additional 40, 384 flights per annum over 260 week days, the airport will be allowed to operate an additional 155 flights per day.

He added: "Constituents have expressed to me their belief that this proposal will lead to an unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance and will lead to a deterioration of their amenities."

But on October 8 Newham Council’s development control committee approved the proposals which will affect residents right across London, with only six of its 11 members present.

The chairman was not at the meeting and the vice-chairman excused himself from the discussion because he had an interest in the application.

After taking 45 minutes to chose a chairman from the remaining six councillors, the committee voted by five to one to approve the expansion, following a debate lasting nearly four hours.

Newham Council claimed, after the decision, that “the application had been subject to a significant amount of public consultation.”

Meanwhile a spokesman for Greenwich Council, which is responsible for parts of Thamesmead, said: "Greenwich made its representations to Newham Council and supports the principle that democratically elected councils as opposed to unelected government inspectors should take planning decisions."