CAMPAIGNERS applauded Redbridge Council's decision to unanimously oppose the increase in flights from London City Airport at an animated meeting of the full council.

Members of the London City Airport – Fight The Flights group left the chamber delighted that all Redbridge councillors agreed to support a motion against the growing air traffic at the Docklands airport, as well as the increase in the number of planes “stacking” over east London as they wait to land at Heathrow.

Trevor Gordon, 48, of Mansfield Road, Wanstead, said: “I'm delighted with the council's decision. I moved to Wanstead for the peace and quiet about three-and-a-half years ago and it isn't the same now. I've lived all over East London and it's the worst now I've ever known.”

Permission for an increase in flights was given by Newham Council earlier this year and, at the meeting, councillors criticised its lack of consultation, while others demanded that Redbridge Council leaders reveal what they had known about the increase in traffic and why they had not taken more action before permission was given.

Cllr Hoskins, Liberal Democrat councillor for Church End ward, said that the leader, Cllr Prince, should write to Newham Council and condemn their decision to allow further expansion of the airport, stressing the impact it had had on Redbridge residents.

He added: “I hope we can get support from the whole chamber on this very important issue. There are environmental issues and residents' rights directly affecting people right across the borough of Redbridge.

“In 1999 there were 10,000 flights using London City Airport every year. By 2008 there were 95,000, including an increase in jet planes. In September an Airbus 318 began flying from London City Airport to New York, which operates what could be described as a niche market.

“The council did nothing about the increase in flights.”

Members also agreed that the council should write to the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to ask them what they did to consult residents about the possible increase in disturbance caused by more flights.

The decision of Newham Council is now subject to a judicial review.