Local councils have given their backing to plans to build a four-runway airport in the Thames estuary.

Cliffe airport, in North Kent, is one of a number of options under consideration in the government's plans for airport expansion. However, although the plans have not been given final approval by ministers, local opposition is mounting.

Forum Response: Freedom to Fly

A spokesman for Freedom to Fly told ePolitix.com: "With demand for air travel set to double over the next 20 years, Freedom to Fly agrees with the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group that decisions need to be made now to tackle the problems of aviation capacity in Britain.

"It is significant that SASIG accepts the government's demand forecasts and recognises the need for new runways.While decisions on locations for new runways or airports should lie with the government, such decisions need to be made as soon as possible to ensure that Britain develops a sustainable aviation policy for the next 30 years."Forum Response: Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group

Cllr. Richard Worrall, chairman of SASIG, said: "The time has come for bold, imaginative solutions. The days of the ad hoc, incremental growth - an extra runway here, a new runway there - must be ended forever.

"Expanding airports that are already congested or in the wrong place is a short-term answer that fails to address the needs of future generations."