Protesters against the expansion of Stansted Airport today won an important victory.

Government plans for airport expansion in the South East were ruled lawful by the High Court. But protesters from Stansted have won a victory over the siting of a new runway.

The announcement was made just before 11am at the High Court in London. It follows a legal challenge to the Govenment's White Paper into airport expansion - brought by local councils including Essex County Council, and protest groups including Stop Stansted Expansion.

Proposals to build a second runway at Stansted were deemed lawful at the High Court.

However, campaigners fighting to ground plans to expand the airport have won a vital ruling over the siting of the landing strip.

The groups took their fight to the High Court in December. This is the first time a White Paper has been challenged in the courts.

The challenges included claims there was a lack of consultation, and concerns over BAA's ability to pay for a second runway.

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Published Friday, February 18, 2005

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