A LEGAL bid to stop an increase in flights from City Airport has been thrown out by the High Court.

Campaign group Fight the Flights (FTF), which wants to stop an increase in flights over east London, took Newham Council to court over its decision to allow up to 120,000 flights a year.

The group said the authority did not properly consult affected residents and neighbouring councils, such as Redbridge and Waltham Forest, when it granted permission for the airport to increase air traffic in July 2009.

FTF also alleged that the authority ignored the government's stance on the effects of increased aviation on climate change.

However, following a two-day hearing in November, Lord Justice Pill and Mr Justice Roderick Evans today rejected the challenge on both counts.

Anne-Marie Griffin, FTF chairwoman, said: “We are desperately disappointed by this judgement.

“London City Airport already causes major disturbance and pollution for people living locally – the disappointment we feel at this outcome will be shared by thousands of residents across east London who are severely affected by London City Airport’s operations but were not consulted about expansion.

“Without clear guidelines to local councils on aviation expansion, the emissions targets set have no hope of being met.

“Fight the Flights is currently taking legal advice as to whether to appeal.”

More to follow.