The first £18 million phase of a development at Gatwick Airport has been unveiled.

The provision of more stands to accommodate larger, quieter aircraft is a key component in the airport's strategy.

The first phase will include five stands followed by a further four costing £16 million.

The new stands will incorporate refuelling facilities and will be used by one large aircraft, such as a Boeing 747 or Airbus 340, or two medium-sized aircraft such as Boeing's 757 or 737.

The airport will also submit a separate planning application to Crawley Borough Council for a new balancing pond next to Brockley Wood, on the airport's western boundary.

The airport also plans to raise the landscape barrier which runs along the northern perimeter, to screen activity on the new stands.

The current earth landscape barrier along the northern perimeter will be raised from eight metres to 16 metres high to shield the new stands.

The applications are part of BAA Gatwick's sustainable development strategy for meeting expected passenger growth from 32 million a year to around 40 million by 2008.

The strategy focuses on developing the airport within its current boundaries around one runway and two terminals.

Airport strategy and planning director Alastair McDermid said: "While it is important to develop Gatwick in order to continue to offer high levels of customer service to airlines and passengers, we will be taking steps to minimise the impact on the local community."