Airports in the UK can increase their noise allowance by paying affected residents, it has been suggested.

This is according to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), which argues removing the government from the aviation capacity debate entirely. It accuses officials of 'over worrying' about the greener issues involved with granting new runways.

It believes certain schemes in place, such as the Emissions Trading Schemes from the EU, already solve these environmental issues.

Alongside directly paying communities, it believes airports looking to expand can offer tax discounts and other incentives to the affected areas, with more or less money depending on the level of noise.

An IEA spokesperson said: "The local level should have the right to keep most of the locally generated tax revenue."

The think tank also wants to support lower income markets through expanding airport capacity, currently being partially reviewed in the Davies Commission. Around 13.2 million travellers earned less than £17,520 per year in 2011 and enabling expansion will continue to let companies access this cheaper market.