THE launch of Heathrow’s biggest-ever consultation, which lays out detailed plans for a third runway, is welcomed by campaigners who support expansion.

Back Heathrow executive director Parmjit Dhanda said: “This is a major milestone for the realisation of this critical infrastructure project.

“It will bring thousands of new jobs, apprenticeships for young people in local communities and boost the wider UK economy.

“It is time the silent majority have their say so the best expansion plan possible can be delivered.”

If permission is eventually granted, Heathrow wouldstart building the new runway in 2021 and be ready to open it by 2026.

An opposite view is taken by Robert Barnstone, campaign co-ordinator of Stop Heathrow Expansion.

READ MORE: The Red Arrows from inside the cockpit

READ MORE: Love Uxbridge Festival starts with children's events

He said: “Heathrow’s plans are laughable. Not only does it want to disrupt people’s lives for up to 30 years while building this new runway but now proposes jumbo-size car parks while pledging to reduce the number of people using cars at the airport.

“It still has major legal hurdles to overcome – at the planning stage – where local authorities, the Mayor of London and environmental groups will be launching action.

“The new prime minister, whoever that may be, will have to face up to the fact that Heathrow expansion cannot meet legal environmental requirements and will therefore not be able to proceed in the long term.”

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: "Every time Heathrow has expanded, it has sincerely, faithfully and passionately promised that it will never expand again.”