Stansted campaigners have the support of heritage preservers

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has joined the fight against the government expansion plans, fearing hundreds of historic buildings are at risk.

The society has declared its formal support for the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign.

The society says three extra runways would mean the destruction of 326 homes, 64 Grade II and one Grade II* Listed Buildings.

Waltham Manor and The Grange, both scheduled ancient monuments, would also disappear even if only one extra runway were to be added.

Under the proposals for three extra runways, Grade I Listed Building Warish Hall and Takeley Priory, which lies in its grounds, could also be lost.

Philip Venning, SPAB secretary, said: "Even under the options of one or two extra runways the cost to heritage is extreme.

"It should certainly not be portrayed as an acceptable compromise that somehow balances heritage concerns with the needs of airlines.

The region would be a poorer place - and significantly less attractive to both local people and tourists - if we were to allow these treasures to disappear Stop Stansted Expansion chairman Norman Mead

"We are therefore hoping every one of our members will write to the Secretary of State for Transport to express his or her concerns about airport expansion and also urge local people concerned to protect their heritage to take action now."

Stop Stansted Expansion chairman Norman Mead welcomed the society's support.

"The value of heritage and the role it plays in enriching us all is often disregarded by governments in their drive to satisfy business interests.

"The region would be a poorer place - and significantly less attractive to both local people and tourists - if we were to allow these treasures to disappear or be degraded by the imposition of the world's largest airport at Stansted."