CAMPAIGNERS who fear changes to Glasgow Airport’s flightpath will mean misery for residents in an East Renfrewshire village have been given a stay of execution.

Proposals that would have brought planes flying over Uplawmoor as often as every seven minutes sparked outrage in the sleepy village.

As well as the likely noise increase, the potential for a rise in levels of air pollution have also caused concern.

However, changes made by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to how consultations are carried out mean the plans have been put on hold until at least 2021.

A second round of consultation with those impacted will now take place towards the end of next year.

Rob Williams, chairman of Uplawmoor Community Council, has welcomed the “excellent result” and said it is testament to the effort by villagers to oppose the plan.

He added: “I’m pleased that the airport will restart their modernisation using the latest guidelines that enforce community engagement throughout the process, rather than as a token gesture at the end.

“We support the airport’s intent to reduce exhaust pollution from aircraft and look forward to working with them on a plan that achieves that, whilst also protecting smaller rural villages from massive increases in noise pollution.

“The job isn’t done yet. We need to be ready for the consultations when they start and ensure that they deliver the fuel savings without adversely affecting the smaller rural communities like Uplawmoor.

“However, we’ve hopefully made it clear that we’re not a village that can just be rolled over without a fight.”

Bosses at Glasgow Airport have said they remain committed to growing the business responsibly and want local communities to “continue to be part of that journey.”

Mark Johnston, the airport’s managing director, added: “Earlier this year we conducted a 13-week consultation on proposals to modernise the departure flightpaths currently used by aircraft.

“The consultation closed on April 13. However, as it drew to a close, we were informed by the CAA of a change in policy which would alter how our proposals would be taken forward.

“What hasn’t changed is the need to modernise our airspace and we have been working closely with the CAA to understand the requirements of the new process.

“Communities will again have the opportunity to engage with the airport to inform our proposals.”

The latest development has been welcomed by East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton, who said it is a chance for airport chiefs to “think again” about their flightpath proposals.

He said: “I’d like to first say thanks to everyone in Uplawmoor – and particularly Uplawmoor Community Council – for their efforts in making the strength of opposition to the original proposal known.

“As Glasgow Airport go away to design a new consultation, it is vital that we are ready to again make the case if needed that the peaceful way of life enjoyed in Uplawmoor would be devastated by routing planes so low overhead.

“The airport promised to take all previous feedback on board and I hope that means they will think again, see sense and scrap completely the plans so rightly opposed by the people of Uplawmoor first time round.”