THE latest long-awaited public inquiry into BAA’s plans for a second runway at Stansted has been postponed.

The decision, made by Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears is being hailed as “a victory for common sense” by anti-expansion group Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE).

It was due to start on April 15, but will now wait until the publication of a report by the Competition Commission is published.

SSE Campaign Director Carol Barbone said: “We welcome the emergence of some common sense but this saga just goes on and on. It’s now time for BAA and the Government to admit defeat on the idea of a second Stansted runway.”

Essex County Council leader Lord Hanningfield, who has been a vocal critic of expansion plans said: “This postponement of a public inquiry into a second runway at Stansted shows the totally flawed and illogical thinking of this Government."

The inquiry is now due to start in the summer.