Boris Island Airport Plans Set For Discussion

Controversial plans to open a new airport in the Thames Estuary are expected to be consulted on in the next few months.

London Mayor Boris Johnson is so strongly behind the proposal that it has been dubbed "Boris Island".

But campaigners are worried about damage to the environment.

The consultation is expected to be announced in March, although Downing Street says no decisions have been made.

Politicians are split over the proposal - with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg opposed to the idea of an estuary airport.

Sky News understands that the consultation was intended to be announced in January but this was blocked by the Liberal Democrats - who oppose all airport expansion in the South East of England - because the correct procedures had not been followed.

A source close to Mr Clegg said: "We're not in favour of building an estuary airport. We believe the environmental and cost implications mean it's not viable but we're prepared for the issues to be considered as part of a wider consultation.

"The reason we blocked the announcement in January was a process issue - the normal procedures had not been followed. We are prepared to have a consultation but the onus is on those who favour it to make the case."

The Prime Minister has ruled out any further expansion to Heathrow, but ministers are under pressure to increase airport capacity.

Passenger demand for London's airports is forecast to increase from 140m passengers a year in 2010 to 400m by 2050.

David Cameron is understood to be supportive of an alternative in the Thames estuary - and Chancellor George Osborne did not rule it out in his Autumn Statement.

Mr Johnson said: "We can't go on expecting Britain to compete with France, Germany and other European countries when we simply can't supply the flights to these growth destinations - China, Latin America. We are being badly left behind."

A Thames Estuary airport would be built partly on reclaimed land either on an island or peninsula.

However environmental campaigners say the site must be protected because it is an important breeding ground for birds.

The RSPB, Medway Council and Kent County Council have opposed the Thames Estuary idea, saying it is "undeliverable, unaffordable and unnecessary".

And local Conservative MP Tracey Crouch said: "Consultation on Boris Airport is a tedious, unnecessary, expensive waste of taxpayers' money".

A Department for Transport spokesman said "no decisions have been taken," adding: "The government will consult on a sustainable framework for UK aviation this spring, at which time we will set out our long-term plans for the sector."