Challenge to Heathrow runway plan

The council will argue that the government's decision was irrational

A legal appeal is to be launched by councils opposed to the decision to approve a third runway at Heathrow.

At the High Court the 2M group, which represents 23 local authorities, will apply for a judicial review of the government's approval of the expansion.

The group will argue the decision was irrational and that the consultation process was not lawful.

If permission for a review is granted, there is not expected to be a hearing until the early part of 2010.

The local authorities will argue that Transport Minister Geoff Hoon arrived at his decision on a potentially half-capacity third runway, which was different to the fully-operational runway in the consultation.

Just about everyone other than Geoff Hoon thinks the government has got this wrong Ray Puddifoot Hillingdon Council leader

They will also claim that the decision was irrational in a number of areas, including the economic case, noise and air quality, and that Mr Hoon failed to provide adequate reasons for his decision.

The case is being backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, who favours an alternative Thames estuary airport site, and is also supported by green groups such as Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Speaking on behalf of 2M, Hillingdon Council leader Ray Puddifoot said: "The number of organisations backing this challenge is unprecedented.

"It shows that just about everyone other than Geoff Hoon thinks the government has got this wrong.

"For the local authorities the real concern is that the government has not proved that a third runway can be operated without breaching air pollution limits, making noise worse or creating intolerable congestion on local roads and public transport."