Plans to redraw Heathrow's flightpaths are being reconsidered following claims 40,000 Hounslow residents would suffer more noise.

Air traffic management company NATS announced proposals in February to reroute planes in and out of four major airports in the south-east claiming the overhaul, the first in the area for several decades, would help reduce delays.

The company this week revealed it is considering further options for Heathrow departures, among other areas, based on the feedback of more than 15,000 people.

Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow Council's lead member for the environment, said: "The council is resolute in its opposition to any proposals that will mean more noise for people living in the borough. We are pleased that NATS has gone back to the drawing board."

Under the original plans, eastbound planes would have continued straight ahead for longer before turning left, meaning more traffic over the south of the borough towards Hounslow and Osterley Park.

The changes are subject to approval by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will not come into force until March at the earliest. NATS may carry out further consultation if it chooses to alter the plans significantly based on the feedback.

• For more about the proposals, visit www.consultation.nats.co.uk