COUNCILLORS have agreed to take action to oppose the expansion of London City Airport.

At a full council meeting this evening, Liberal Democrat Farooq Qureshi put forward a motion acknowledging residents' concern about the expansion of the airport and the increase in noise it will create for residents as well as the environmental impact.

The motion also pledges that on completion of the investigation, the council will take action by writing to the Mayor of Newham condemning its decision to allow expansion and to consider legal action in relation to the expansion or flight path changes.

Cllr Qureshi said: “We welcome a cross-party consensus on this. Council's have a pivotal role to play in cutting carbon emissions. This problem will not go away. It is going to stay with us and we need to fight against it.”

Cllr Bob Sullivan, who seconded the motion, said: “The planning application was granted by Newham Council. Who decided they could impose on us more noise and pollution without consulting us? How arrogant.”

An investigation is to be carried out to find out whether or not Waltham Forest Council was consulted on plans to expand London City Airport.

Questions were put to Cllr Clyde Loakes about whether he was contacted by Newham Council when he was council leader about a planning application to expand the airport - which he denies.

Conservative leader Cllr Matt Davis said: “We have been told that this council wasn't consulted, so it is a good question in light of of allegations made by London City Airport. Cllr Loakes, did they write to you or not? Perhaps you can tell us?”

Cllr Loakes said he never received a letter.

All parties supported the motion which and councillors voted unanimously in favour.

Fight the Flight (FTF) which is campaigning against the expansions also lobbied councillors outside the Town Hall.