Neighbouring councils have differing views on the planned expansion of Stansted Airport.

Airport operator, Manchester Airports Group (MAGS), wants to double the number of passengers to 45 million a year by offering more flights and long-haul destinations from the existing runway.

Chris Siddall, Braintree Council's cabinet member for prosperity and growth, said: "Clearly this could offer enormous economic opportunities for the district and we have responded supporting the draft plan, subject to the airport continuing to make every effort to mitigate the environmental impacts of development of the airport and its services.”

But Uttlesford Council said more needed to be more done to tackle road congestion as a result of the airport's growth and there should be more challenging noise mitigation measures.

Jackie Cheetham, cabinet member for aviation, said: “We welcome the concept of the draft Sustainable Development Plan, especially its commitment to partnership working, and we support the sustainable growth of Stansted as a single runway airport.

“However, without seeing the background data it is difficult to assess whether the aims set out in the plan are fair, or whether the plan should be more challenging and forward-thinking, particularly on environmental issues.”