Residents in the Halstead area are unlikely to support the expansion of Stansted Airport, a councillor has stated.

Braintree Council debated the future of the region’s air capacity during a meeting held last Monday.

Councillors backed an Essex County Council (ECC) report which argued it was “unrealistic” to create a four-runway super hub at the site.

Iona Parker, councillor for Yeldham, said: “Residents in the north of the district unfortunately live under the flight path for both Stansted and Luton.

“I really believe in the north in particular there will be a really strong opposition to a second runway at Stansted.

“The huge increase in flights this would bring would have a devastating impact on the tranquility of the rural north.”