UTTLESFORD District Council has condemned the expansion approval decision as “a further erosion of our quality of life”.

The Government approval means 35 million passengers a year will be able to pass through airport, instead of the current limit at 25 million, and the number of aircraft movements could rise from 241,000 to 264,000 a year.

Uttlesford District Council has pledged to do everything it can to ensure a second runway is never built. The Government has called in the 38 applications relating to that scheme.

Council leader Jim Ketteridge said: “This decision on the existing runway is a blow for the community. It demonstrates that the Government has failed to listen to the clear message from the people of Uttlesford.

“Residents already find the level of aircraft noise extremely disturbing and allowing BAA to increase the amount of air traffic marks a further erosion of our quality of life, particularly for all those living near Stansted Airport.

“We are very disappointed that the appeal has been allowed but are redoubling our efforts to fight the second runway proposals.

“We may not have won this battle, but with the help of our local authority partners, we will do everything we can to win the war.”