A special meeting to discuss how to oppose the Government's proposals over Stansted airport has been called by Uttlesford District Council.

At Monday's meeting the council will reject the content of the government White Paper, which recommends a second runway, as well as considering legal advice.

Leader of the Council, Alan Dean, said: "We won't go into detail on what we intend to do because we want to keep some of the plans close to our chest.

"The purpose of the meeting is having now had the white paper we have now got government policy and I'm sure the council will want to reject that government policy."

Steps have already been taken for a possible legal challenge with QCs supplying the council with advice and officers currently consulting with lawyers although Cllr Dean said the detail would remain confidential for the moment.

Uttlesford are also combining with East Hertfordshire District Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council in joint opposition of a second runway.

Planning permission is not on the agenda as Cllr Dean explained: "Within the next two years there could well be a planning application from BAA and that will be dealt with through the normal planning process.

"What we are now dealing with is whether we agree with government policy."

Published Tuesday January 20, 2004

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