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London could get its first 24-hour hospital helipad under plans that could save dozens of lives every year.

King’s College Hospital has applied to extend the operating hours of its helipad in Denmark Hill, which is currently open between 7am and 9pm. London is the only major European capital without a 24-hour emergency helipad.

About 500 patients have been flown to the helipad since it opened in 2016, with night opening expected to enable King’s to receive a further 75 patients a year. A spokesman said: “This would give critically sick patients faster access to specialist treatment at night as well as during the day.”

The hospital’s ability to treat seriously ill patients will increase when its £100 million critical care centre opens.

The helipad at King’s is the first in mainland Britain to use an automatic foam and water system that avoids the need for firefighters to be on standby for a crash landing.

Seven residents have objected to the plans, saying the noise would disturb their sleep. One said: “The impact on residents would be too great if air ambulances were to land here 24 hours a day.”

A noise report commissioned by the hospital shows that World Health Organisation limits for sleep would be breached for less than a minute at a time during take-off and landing. It said noise levels would fall to “acceptable” levels if windows were kept closed.

The hospital's planning application said it consulted 500 residents and claims to have secured “85 per cent” support. It told the council it was “acutely aware” of concerns and proposed a two-year trial of night flights “in view of this sensitivity”.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said he had no objection to the plans and referred the final decision to Lambeth council.

A council spokesman said: “We are still in dialogue with King’s Hospital. No decision, or date for a decision has yet been made.”