CONCERNS are growing in Harrow that the sale of military base RAF Northolt could be used to push through the expansion of Heathrow sending commercial flights over the borough.

Last week, Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas raised concerns about the stealth expansion of the major airport in the House of Commons, stating that a flight path could impact on many living near the site in the south of the borough.

Despite voting to welcome the governments plans for a third runway at Heathrow in 2009, Mr Thomas raised concerns about the plot to use Northolt as a satellite for the capitals biggest airport.

He said: I made mention of the issue in the house of commons, just asking for the government to look at whats really going on.

The Ministry of Defence is looking to see whether or not it can continue to afford RAF Northolt and if its a case of it becoming an extra terminal for Heathrow thats a genuine issue for anybody under the flightpath, which include my constituents in South Harrow.

Despite Labour government plans for a third runway three years ago, the project was canned in 2010 by the newly elected coalition government.

The rumours have raised fears among residents in South Harrow.

David Silver, 58, of South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, said: I didnt know that this was going on but it is definitely a concern.

It is certainly near enough for it to be an issue, not just with the noise of planes flying over our homes but the added traffic and chaos that comes with an airport.

The MoD is considering selling the historic airfield to contend with budget cuts but a spokesman would neither confirm nor deny the rumours it would be a satellite airport for Heathrow.

He said: We continue to scrutinise all defence expenditure to secure the best value for money. RAF Northolt is no exception.

It already generates revenue through landing fees from private flights and sources of income generation are of course kept under review.

Council leader Bill Stephenson said: This is little more than a third runway by stealth and the idea must not be allowed to get off the ground. This outrageous suggestion must be nipped in the bud.

The base, which opened in 1915, is the home of 32 (the Royal) Squadron and is often used by the Queen, foreign royalty and heads of state.