Sir – RAF noise guidelines continue to be breached at Brize Norton, despite efforts by the base to reduce the noise problem.

The number of complaints from local residents has soared since the Hercules aircraft arrived.

The intrusive, unrelenting, prolonged droning disturbance caused by the planes made a good night’s sleep a rare event for me this summer, resulting in chronic tiredness, which affected efficiency at work and mental well-being. Double or triple glazing is no help when windows are open.

The disturbance was also severe on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays over the summer, making it impossible to sit outside and enjoy the garden.

Visitors commented on the loud noise and also on the air pollution. One person felt physically ill due to the aviation fuel smell and had to leave. It was a deterrent to inviting people round and so also had an impact on social life.

The current inhabitants of the surrounding villages will have to put up with the noise, for however hard the base tries to minimise it, it will always be a problem while propeller-driven planes are here.

Do developers, planners and other advocates of building a large housing estate of over 700 houses just yards from this noise problem really want to subject another 2,000 people to potential chronic health problems and sleepless nights?

Many of the proposed houses would be much nearer to the aircraft than current homes are. Surely we owe it to future generations to provide pleasant, sustainable housing in a non-polluted environment?

M French, Station Road, Brize Norton