Richard Spring, MP for West Suffolk, requested the debate after receiving what he described as an 'avalanche' of correspondence from residents.

If given the go-ahead, the proposals – put forward by airspace company Nats – would see flight paths changed and holding stacks, for aircraft queuing to land at Stansted, moved over less densely-populated areas, including Lavenham and surrounding villages.

During the debate, Mr Spring said the proposals presented a 'desperately serious potential threat' to Newmarket's horse-racing industry, as well as the Denham Estate's deer farm, with animals likely to be spooked by aircraft noise.

He also drew attention to concerns from villagers in Hargrave, who could see planes passing at 4,000ft as they leave the new stack – arguing for stacks to moved over the North Sea instead.

"Although it is important for London to continue to be a hub for air passengers, it is also important to ensure that a balance is achieved," said Mr Spring.

"One of the main factors that Nats considered when designing the proposed changes was to try to avoid populated areas at lower heights.

"However, in doing that, the proposed changes would have an unfair and disproportionate impact on rural areas."

In response, Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the arguments would be taken into account by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is due to make a final decision on the plans later this year.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Spring said: "The key thing is that the CAA has to be satisfied that the consultation process was adequate – I don't think anyone thinks it was and all of these points were raised.

"The point of doing this was to make sure the Government knows in very direct terms what the people of Suffolk are thinking."

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