T5 Go-Ahead: Green groups have described the government's decision to approve Terminal 5 as 'a disaster for the environment'.

Speaking after Transport Secretary Stephen Byers gave the go-ahead for the £2.25 billion scheme on Tuesday this week, anti-T5 campaigners and environmentalists were united in their condemnation.

John Stewart, chairman of HACAN Clearskies, said: "We are very disappointed on behalf of residents who live under the flight path as they now face more noise and more pollution.

"HACAN has been fighting T5 for more than 10 years since when aeroplanes have become a dominant and relentless pain in these residents' lives. It affects their health, their work and their leisure time. I feel personally devastated."

Mr Stewart added: "The fight is not over for HACAN, we will examine what has been said by Mr Byers and we will be looking to challenge the decision via a judicial review."

Nic Ferriday, West London Friends of the Earth transport spokesman, said: "This is a disaster for the environment and democracy. It has made a nonsense of the public inquiry system.

"The fear now is that it will encourage plans for further expansion there is already a campaign well under way within the industry for a third runway."

Public inquiry leader of Friends of the Earth, Anthony Kreppel, said: "This decision constitutes the first environmental disaster of the 21st century.

"From 2007, the expected date of completion, and onwards, roads will be gridlocked at all times and pollution levels will be intolerable causing an increase in the number of severe asthma attacks."

He added: "The west of London will become an airport surrounded by car parks and connecting motorways."

November 22, 2001 12:00