Life could be made unbearable for Hounslow residents if plans to shift Heathrow's flight paths and allow low-flying aircraft over the borough are accepted.

A consultation by the National Air Traffic Service (Nats) into the proposed moves closed on June 19.

Easterly departures heading to the north of the country could fly over Hounslow, Brentford and Isleworth before reaching 2,000 feet if the changes get the go-ahead.

The current routes would be moved south to enable planes to use the new Precision Area Navigation system, which can reduce delays by improving air traffic control procedures.

John Stewart, of airport campaigners Hacan, said: "This is bad news for people who would be affected, because it would mean now they would get not just aircraft landing at Heathrow but also aircraft taking off from Heathrow.

"They would get no break from the noise at all."

The more accurate equipment means flight paths would be more concentrated - increasing noise intensity.

And because of the Cranford Agreement - designed to protect residents close to the eastern end of the northern runway - those living under the southern flight path including Hounslow residents will be the worst affected.

The changes to the current Noise Preferential Routes (NPRs) - designed years ago to minimise the population affected by aircraft - would be necessary to comply with the safety standards required by the UK airspace regulator Civil Aviation Authority.

John Hunt, Hounslow Green Party candidate, said: "Noise of course is one of the health concerns.

"Also, partly the direct annoyance, partly the mental health and stress aspect resulting from annoyance and also heart problems resulting from the stress."

Nats sought feedback on the proposal during the 17-week consultation before submitting it to the Civil Aviation Authority for a decision.

Feedback will be analysed and summarised in a report which will be published towards the end of next month.