CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop a second runway being built at Stansted Airport have seen their latest appeal rejected by the High Court.

Despite an application by Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) Judge Sir Thayne Forbes ruled that the plans to raise passenger numbers by 10m a year was legally sound.

This means that up to 35m passengers a year could use the site.

In making his ruling he said criticisms of the way the matter had been handled were "unjustified and without substance".

But SSE has vowed to continue fighting the decision, which it says is “confusing”

SSE campaign director Carol Barbone said: "This High Court action was never simply about winning or losing. Our primary concern was to ensure that our main battle against a second Stansted runway was not prejudiced by the wording of the original decision.

"However, today's ruling seems to make matters even less clear than they were before. That is why we are seeking leave to appeal."

Bosses at BAA, the company which owns Stansted, welcomed the ruling.

Stansted’s commercial and development director Nick Barton, said: "We are very pleased with today's decision. It is the right decision and one we fully expected.”

The full ruling can be viewed online at www.stopstanstedexpansion.com