New terminal increasingly likely at Stansted

Plans for the construction of a second runway at Stansted Airport have entered a new stage after it was announced there would be a public review into the expansion, according to reports.

A public inquiry will assess the practicality of the new runway project but the process is normally understood to be a signal of government support for any proposed scheme.

Runway project director Roger Pellman said: "We welcome today's news that our Generation 2 planning application for the development of a second runway at Stansted has been 'called in' and will now proceed to a public inquiry."

If the plans are approved it will be the first new runway in the south-east for over 50 years and would mean that Stansted will be able to facilitate ten million more passengers per year.

"There are huge social and economic benefits to be enjoyed from the development of a second runway at Stansted for the East of England, London, and for UKplc," added Mr Pellman.

Stansted Airport is one of five international airports based in London along with Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.