Heathrow’s third runway plans have been approved at a cabinet meeting this morning.

The proposal for the airport’s expansion has been heavily scrutinised by politicians, including Uxbridge MP Boris Johnson who pledged to lie down in front of bulldozers. Following today’s announcement Mr Johnson has said he will continue to oppose the plans.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will make a statement in the House of Commons at lunchtime and said the expansion will boost the UK’s economy and is the best option for post-Brexit Britain.

However the plans have been met with plenty of opposition by environmentalists and local communities surrounding Heathrow.

Stop Heathrow Expansion, a resident-led campaign group, said residents were once again left worried and blighted by the Government’s decision today to support expansion at the airport.

Robert Barnstone, campaign co-ordinator for Stop Heathrow Expansion, said: “Once again residents around Heathrow are fighting for their homes, schools, places of worship and community. The years of uncertainty that lie ahead while Heathrow is challenged in the courts brings yet more blight and worry to thousands of people.”

Mr Barnstone added: “The fight is only just beginning. Like last time, we will see the Government in court and see off this threat, this time for good.”

Another Campaign group HACAN has said that countless residents will be ‘dismayed and distraught’ by the announcement.

HACAN chair John Stewart said: “Countless residents will be dismayed and distraught by this decision.  Some will lose their homes.  Some face the daunting prospect of living under a noisy flight path for the first time. 

“And many others will get yet more planes over their heads.  But real doubts must remain whether this new runway will ever see the light of day.  The hurdles it faces remain: costs, noise, air pollution and widespread opposition including an expected legal challenge from the local authorities.”

Heathrow has welcomed the decision and a spokesperson for the airport said they are ready to work with the government.

There will still be a long consultation process before the decision is finalised, including a public consultation and a vote by MPs due in late 2017-18.