A COUNCIL has joined a group opposed to the expansion of Heathrow airport.

Lewisham Council has joined the 2M group, an alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of expansion.

The group, which took its name from the 2 million residents of its original 12 local authorities, now represents a combined population of 4 million people, after three other councils also joined.

Consultation on Department for Transport proposals for a third runway and increased use of the two existing runways closed on February 27.

But the group claims the proposals would increase flights from the current number of 480,000 to around 702,000 by 2030.

Fears have bee raised the plans may also see Greenwich, Blackheath and Deptford directly under flight paths.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: "It's become clear that the impact of further growth at Heathrow significantly affects our residents.

"As I understand it there is the potential to create a very significant increase in aircraft over Lewisham and Greenwich.

"I think many of us at town hall have quite serious reservations about Heathrow's growth and its effect environmentally.

"I'm not remotely an expert on airport policy but it seems to me the argument being made by a number of people is that Heathrow is in the wrong place and having planes flying across the city to get there is problematic."

Sir Steve said he would back a recent proposal by Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford to build a new airport in the Thames estuary.

Greenwich Council has said it also intends to join the group.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly is expected to announce her decision on the proposals in the early summer.

Greenwich and Lewisham Friends of the Earth member Dominic Clarke said he welcomed the council's decision.

He said: "The 2M group is one amongst many groups and individuals opposing the expansion of Heathrow.

"Greenwich and Lewisham Friends of the Earth is opposed to expansion of Heathrow since it will cause amongst other negative effects massive increases in greenhouse gas emissions and noise, particularly in South London."