The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has proposed the introduction of a 'noise tax' for residents affected by airport noise.

It has outlined measures for reducing aircraft noise in a new document, entitled Managing Aviation Noise. The document contains recommendations that could be implemented now as well as others to be introduced before there are further increases in capacity.

More incentives need to be introduced to encourage airports and airlines to mitigate noise, the CAA says.

Community schemes, direct payments or tax breaks should be made to ensure local residents also obtain some of the benefits of increased capacity.

Full insulation should be provided to those most at risk of noise pollution from the expansion of facilities.

A noise tax is recommended as a last resort option if the tax breaks and other schemes are not successful.

Iain Osborne, group director for regulatory policy at the CAA, said: "Very many people in the UK are already affected by aviation noise and it’s clear that unless the industry tackles this issue more effectively, it won’t be able to grow."