Jet noise is being condemned as "destructive"

Lake District National Park Authority member Maureen Colquhoun said low flying was incompatible with the peace and quiet of the area.

After a lengthy debate Authority members rejected by 10 votes to two a motion urging the government to restrict jet aircraft in the area.

The RAF says low-flying is a vital part of pilot training.

Ms Colquhoun said the low-flying went against the Authority's core policy of "quiet enjoyment".

'Unique opportunities

She said: "It's a totally destructive and unacceptable noise in the most beautiful park in Britain."

She said there were other places the RAF could train and it would not fit in with a possible bid to gain World Heritage Status for the Lake District.

But Wing Commander Jon Taylor from the RAF said low-level flying was a skill that pilots had to keep practising.

Current regulations mean towns and cities are avoided, resulting in most training having to take place over countryside.

He added: "The Lake District offers unique opportunities for training and the skills gained here are used by pilots in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The meeting also heard that a national agreement between the Association of National Park Authorities and the Ministry of Defence would generally ensure fixed wing planes would not fly lower than 250 ft.