FORMAL legal action has begun at the High Court claiming the decision to allow a third runway at Heathrow is unlawful as it fails to address climate change obligations.
 
Lawyers Leigh Day filed papers on Monday asking for the airport policy statement, published in June, to be quashed.

The charity claims it fails to account for the full impact on future generations.

Its director of campaigns, Liz Hutchins, said: “The government’s airports strategy completely ignores its obligations to tackle climate change. This is short-sighted, incredibly reckless and we believe it is unlawful.”

A decision on whether there will be a full hearing is expected to be made this autumn.

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Meanwhile, the Back Heathrow group says some neighbouring councils, including Hillingdon, have spent more than £100,000 ahead of an expensive judicial review.

Peter Kavanagh, regional secretary of the Unite union, which backs the project, said: "Councils like Wandsworth, Richmond and Hillingdon have been cutting services for years.

“Last year alone, Hillingdon cut more than £200,000 on services while finding a similar amount to give to lawyers.”

Parmjit Dhanda, executive director of Back Heathrow, said: “Polling shows more local people support this project than oppose it.

“They understand the technological advances that are making aircraft cleaner and quieter, and they want the economic benefits it will bring.”