Anti-expansion group airs worries

Protesters on the opening day of the public inquiry

The Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) group has begun to give evidence at the public inquiry into plans to increase passenger numbers at the Essex airport.

Stansted's owner BAA wants to increase passenger numbers at the airport from 25m to 35m every year.

The SSE group has told the inquiry more passengers would damage the environment and increase noise pollution.

BAA argues that there are clear economic reasons why the expansion should go ahead.

Airport expansion plans were rejected by Uttlesford District Council and BAA is appealing against the decision.

If Stansted gets the expansion it will handle 75,000 more aircraft movements per year.

SSE campaigners say expansion will: Increase noise Reduce air quality Increase road and rail congestion

The SSE group has eight days to persuade two planning inspectors that the number of flights and passengers should not be allowed to increase.

A spokeswoman for the SSE group said: "We aim to reveal to the inspector the extent of the impact which local people and people across the region would suffer.

"It is also an important opportunity to highlight the impact of climate change which would result from the proposed expansion to Stansted Airport."

BAA says the airport generates millions of pounds for the local economy.

The Stop Stansted Expansion staged a protest in May earlier this year, opposite Endeavour House where the inquiry is taking place.

The hearing continues.