CAMPAIGNERS have won the latest round of their battle against increased flights from London City Airport.

Fight the Flights, which opposed more air traffic over areas including Wanstead and Leytonstone, has been given the go ahead to take their legal challenge against Newham Council to the High Court.

Residents said the current severe weather had been very welcome as they had noticed how much quieter it was during Wednesday afternoon when the airport's runway was closed.

Trevor Gordon, who lives in Mansfield Road in Wanstead, said there had definitely been a discernible difference in aircraft noise.

He said: “When there were no flights it was blissfully quiet.

“There’s no doubt it is less of a pain since the weather got colder – with windows closed.

“It’s when the warmer times come, windows are open and we want to use the garden that it will hit hard again.”

After the latest High Court decision, chair of Fight the Flights, Anne-Marie Griffiths, said: “This is another victory and a positive step towards justice for the residents of east London, many of whom were simply not consulted.

“Residents who have to put up with increased noise and air pollution as a result of Newham Council's decision to carry on expanding London City Airport will celebrate this news.”

Phil Michaels, solicitor for Fight the Flights at Friends of the Earth's Rights and Justice Centre, said: “We are delighted that the court has agreed that this case needs to be heard.

“The issues raised are important for local people and for the environment more widely. We look forward to the case being heard later this year.”

Newham's decision in July 2009 to allow the number of flights leaving the airport each year to rise to 120,000 was promptly slammed by residents and campaigners alike.

In December, the Guardian reported that the airport's bosses has accused Redbridge Council of missing opportunities to consult the public on the expansion.

At a full council meeting in November, campaigners applauded councillors unanimously voting to oppose the expansion.

For more information visit the Fight the Flights website.