CLAIMS that Stansted is the only realistic option for a new runway in the south east have been rebuked by the British Airports Authority (BAA).

National Press reports suggest Stansted is the first choice for expansion before current runway capacity in the region runs out in 2013 because air pollution limits will veto expansion at Heathrow for at least ten years.

Expansion at Gatwick is also restricted until 2019 because of a legal clause.

It is claimed Stansted has been highlighted by BAA as the first airport to get an extra runway because it will allow time to bring the already high level of pollution around Heathrow in line with new EU legislation that comes into force in 2010.

Although a BAA Stansted spokesman confirmed there were pollution problems at Heathrow that needed to be tackled, he said it was Press speculation that had pointed towards development at Stansted.

"BAA is not promoting Stansted as the first choice for any new runway in the South East," he said. "There are air quality issues at Heathrow that need to be addressed by the Government but all their airport options are feasible.

"Given this, it was the press that speculated that Stansted would have to be the first option."

Despite this, anti-expansion campaigners from Stop Stansted Expansion have united with Clear Skies, the campaign group for Heathrow, to reaffirm their opposition to extra runways at either airport.

A joint statement from Clear Skies chairman John Stewart and Stop Stansted Expansion director Carol Barbone said: "BAA is struggling desperately to keep its own airports in the frame for new runways in the face of overwhelming opposition.

"Assessment of locations for any new runways needs to be made on a case by case basis, not as an either/or scenario. BAA may have a monopoly on London's main airports but it doesn't have a monopoly on expansion options or on advice offered to the Department for Transport.

"Ultimately, it's the Government, not BAA, that will decide the strategy for the future development of air transport and the company would do well to remember this."