Approval for a third runway at Heathrow has been given by the government today.

The highly controversial plans were approved along with a range of measures designed to limit the environmental impact through strict controls on noise and pollution.

But the decision is expected to prompt a legal challenge from environmental groups opposed to expansion of the London hub.

The plans will result in the demolition of a village to increase capacity at congested Heathrow, with five years of construction work expected to start in 2015.

Airlines, unions and business leaders welcomed the long-awaited and delayed approval which also includes a possible a new high speed rail link.

Green campaigners will step up protests in efforts to disrupt the developmentand London mayor Boris Johnson pledged a legal challenge to the expansion of Heathrow.

And if Labour loses the next election, the plans could be scrapped as opposition parties oppose the third runway proposals.

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by Phil Davies