Cllr Vicky Ford has been in regular contact with the National Air Traffic Service after several constituents contacted her about the proposals.

"I am delighted that Nats has agreed to a four-week increase to the consultation," she said.

Nats is thought to have received a number of letters from Newmarket's bloodstock industry and may look to change the design of the stacking patterns to reduce the potential threat on the area.

"This is extremely encouraging news for the bloodstock industry, which is such a major employer and contributor to the local economy," said Cllr Ford.

"We should obviously wait to see the fine detail of what changes are proposed before drawing any conclusions."

The consultation period, which opened on February 21, had been due to close on May 22, but will now close on June 19.

Jonathan Astill, head of airspace management at Nats, said: "We have listened to those people who said there was not enough time for them to consider the details of these proposals and, thereforel decided to extend the consultation period."