Ballot papers are being sent to 55,000 voters living near Stansted airport on Friday asking them to vote on expansion plans.

The results of the referendum in the Uttlesford district of Essex will be known in early November and delivered to 10 Downing Street.

Uttlesford District Council is unanimously opposed to plans for three new runways at the airport, but says it wants local people to put forward their views.

Mick Purkiss, the council's committee and communications manager, told residents: "This is your chance to have your personal say on probably the most important issue Uttlesford has ever faced."

Fierce opposition

Plans for the development of airports in the UK were unveiled by the Department for Transport in July.

They are designed to cope with the massive rise in air travellers forecast over the next 30 years.

They have met with fierce opposition from those living near the proposed sites, local authorities and environmental groups.

In Essex, the Stop Stansted Expansion group organised a "Runway Ramble" last weekend to highlight the greenfield sites that would be lost.

Leaders of all political parties on Uttlesford Council have written a joint letter to local newspapers urging voters to vote 'no' in the referendum.

Papers and supporting information are being sent out by the independent Electoral Reform Services from 4 October.

Mr Purkiss said to residents: "A high turnout is essential and your vote really does matter."