AIRCRAFT movements into and out of Boscombe Down will increase by more than a third if the base succeeds in its bid to house the RAF's new generation of tanker aircraft.

The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) project would also spell the end for day-only flights, with an average of two to three landings or take-offs a night, seven days a week.

With aircraft restricted by prevailing winds to approaching and taking off in a south-westerly direction, households along a one- to two-mile wide band are expected to suffer noise increases.

The number of heavy goods vehicles bringing fuel for the fleet of 12 aircraft stationed at the base - rising to a maximum of 28 in the event of a crisis - will also increase from one a day to 12.

These are the findings of a preliminary environmental impact assessment commissioned by base operators DERA earlier this year. Project manager Stuart Hudson said this week that he was "quietly confident" Boscombe Down's bid for the 25-year operation would prove successful.

"We have to think long-term and this is the most environmentally benign operation we could pursue," he said.

The timeframe implemented by the MoD, which ultimately must rule on the bids for the £9bn project, states that a decision will be made by October 2002.