The debate over a second runway at East Midlands Airport (EMA) is set to heat up, with Nottinghamshire Council expected to campaign for expansion.

The council believes there is plenty of spare capacity at EMA and the Government should include expansion plans in its current review of air transport.

The stance is likely to anger people living under the flight path, who do not want more planes flying over their homes.

Neighbouring Leicestershire County Council is also likely to oppose expansion plans.

Airport history

Opened April 2, 1965 Site agreed by five councils Replaced Burnaston Airport, which had a grass runway Purchased by Manchester Airport Group in March, 2001

The Leicestershire council's leader, Harry Barber, recently said the expansion would cause "environmental problems".

The airport, located in Castle Donnington, Leicestershire, barely rated a mention in the Government's recent white paper on the future of air transport.

However the document does suggest a new international airport located in Warwickshire, near the A45 and M6 between Coventry and Rugby.

Budget airlines

Nottinghamshire Council will campaign for the plans to be altered to include another runway at EMA.

The council's cabinet also believes public transport links must be improved and the new East Midlands Parkway station, at Ratcliffe on Soar, should be built as soon as possible.

The arrival of budget airlines, including Bmibaby and Go, has seen major growth in passenger numbers at EMA.

Another reason for the suggested expansion is a projected 10-fold increase in freight handled at the airport.