Protesters set to argue that government approval of the scheme was based on flawed consultation process

Protesters are set to launch a legal challenge against plans to develop a third runway at Heathrow airport.

Lawyers representing a coalition made up of six local authorities, campaign groups Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and residents will argue at the High Court that the consultation process was flawed and will challenge the government's plans to go ahead with the development.

The government gave the go-ahead for a third runway and a sixth terminal for the London airport a year ago.

Ray Puddifoot, the Hillingdon council leader, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the government's decision was “fundamentally flawed” and that the government had “consulted on one set of proposals” which he claims were ignored by the transport secretary.

John Sauven, Greenpeace's executive director, claims that the government had ignored the 90% of people who responded to the consultation about the third runway saying they opposed it, and went ahead with plans anyway.

A Department for Transport spokesperson has said the government will continue to back the plans but refused to comment further given the fact the situation was now subject to legal proceedings.

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