Those affected by a potential third runway at Heathrow Airport are pleased with a report by MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee which says that the government should not give final approval for the expansion.

The report suggests that the airport would have to demonstrate that it accepts and will comply with key environmental conditions before expansion.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot , Leader of Hillingdon Council , said: "We are very pleased that the EAC have taken our views into account and have recognised the devastating impacts that a new runway at Heathrow would bring if the Government decide to put the interests of Heathrow's overseas investors above the health and well being of our people.

But Mr Puddifoot pointed that the EAC have missed the fact that a third runway will result in new flight paths as a “concern” of his.

He added: “This will subject many communities to aircraft noise who are not overflown at present. Once they are made aware of this, these communities will inevitably object to Heathrow's proposals."

Christine Taylor, of Stop Heathrow Expansion, doubts Heathrow 's ability to meet EU limits.

She said: “ Heathrow can't meet the conditions, if they could, we would have had a runway last time round.

“Putting these conditions down does show that the likelihood of Heathrow getting it's runway is even more remote.

“[Heathrow] are trying to encourage public transport but at the same time they're encouraging road use as well. There will always be people who want to travel by car and they're not discouraging that.”

Ms Taylor, who live lose her home if the third runway is to go ahead, doubts that a definite decision will even be made.

She said: “I'd be very surprised if what we get is a firm decision. We think it'll just be an announcement and some sort of fudge that gives them a little bit longer.

“We're used to this - after many years, we know they're going to give an announcement just before Christmas, because they'd do that to us just before they go on a break, and then they'd leave us in limbo for longer.”

Ms Taylor has been campaigning against airport expansion since 2002 and plans to take the matter further if the Government decide to go ahead with the runway.

She added: “I wish somebody would just say 'no' and let people in these areas start living a life without threat and if necessary we'll start going through courts to make sure that happens.”