AIRPORT operator BAA has blasted Uttlesford District Council for going against government policy after its decision to reject the company's planning application to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport.

BAA Stansted managing director Terry Morgan said: "We're disappointed the council has been unable to support our application for growth on the existing single runway.

"Effectively the council wants to cap passenger numbers at the current level, which contradicts government policy.

"It also flies in the face of the record number of leisure and business travellers - tens of thousands of whom are local - who see Stansted as an affordable gateway to destinations and opportunities around the world."

The company intends to launch an immediate appeal against the decision and has promised to take the case to a public inquiry. Mr Morgan said he remains "very confident" of BAA's case and that this will be fully recognised at the inquiry.

He added: "We want to say a big thank you to all those who continue to support growth at Stansted and who recognise, as we do, the social and economic benefit the airport brings to millions of people."

Mr Morgan confirmed plans for a second runway will be submitted next year in a separate application.