TWO local authorities met this week to discuss the possibility that RAF Leeming could become the home of a new aircraft.

The base has been shortlisted as one of five possible bases for the Joint Combat Aircraft, expected to enter service in 2010 as a replacement for the ageing Harrier jump jet.

The JCA, being developed jointly by Britain and the US, would be operated by both the RAF and the Royal Navy, using land bases and the new generation of aircraft carrier.

Operation of Tornado fighters at Leeming is due to end in 2008 after 20 years and the base will not receive the replacement, the Eurofighter Typhoon.

North Yorkshire County Council has already been approached by the Ministry of Defence about the possibility of the JCA being based at Leeming.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said one issue which would have to be considered was noise, because it was essential that this did not have an undue impact on local communities.

A county council spokesman said: "We are taking part in the consultation but things are still at a very early stage."

Environmental health officers at Hambleton District Council undertook extensive noise tests before Tornados arrived at Leeming in 1988.

Director of planning and environmental services, Steve Quartermain, said Hambleton had received no direct approach from the MoD and added: "We are aware that the county council has been approached and we are holding a meeting this week."