Plans to more than double the number of night flights at Heathrow from next year were today shelved by the Government.

The number of planes allowed to land at the airport before 6am each day would have increased from 16 to 35 from next year, under proposals outlined in the Airport Commission's interim report in December.

In return, residents living under the flight paths would have been guaranteed respite from early morning arrivals, with a different runway used each week.

However, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin today announced he would wait for the commission's final recommendations next summer before deciding whether to introduce the measure, known as 'smoothing'.

He also postponed decisions on creating an independent aircraft noise regulator and allowing both runways to be used simultaneously for arrivals to reduce delays, both of which were recommended in the commission's interim report.

In his response to the interim report, published this morning, Mr McLoughlin said: "In relation to the commission's recommendation for an Independent Aviation Noise Authority, the government believes that it would be more appropriate to consider the role for such a body alongside the commission’s final recommendations on long term capacity.

"Similarly, we believe that any further government decisions on using the runway designated for departures (eg enhanced TEAM) and for a trial of early morning schedule smoothing at Heathrow should also be considered at that point and in the context of the commission's recommendations on long-term capacity."

He added that the current night flight restrictions would remain in place until at least 2017.

Hounslow Council welcomed the delay but said it would continue to fight for a complete ban on night flights.

Gavin Hayes, director of pro-expansion campaign group Let Britain Fly, was not impressed by Mr McLoughlin's response.

“Instead of bold political leadership, the Government has decided to kick the can down the road for another year," he said.

"We so desperately need a clear direction of travel and an in-principle commitment to build additional runways to boost our international connectivity and secure future jobs, growth and prosperity. Instead, we have yet more political procrastination."

The Airports Commission was set up by the Government in 2012 to consider the case for aviation expansion in the short, medium and long term.

It has short-listed two sets of plans for a third runway at Heathrow and one for a new landing strip at Heathrow, and is due to decide this autumn whether to short-list proposals for a new Thames estuary airport.

The commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, is due to make its final recommendation next summer, shortly after the general election.