Campaigners want a judicial review of plans for Stansted Airport

The Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) group claims a second runway would have major environmental and social effects and wants a judicial review of the plans.

The group claims the government did not consult properly or provide information on alternative proposals for other airports in the area.

The campaigners said they would leave no stone unturned in their fight to stop a second runway.

The group says ministers did not make clear that runway alteration at Heathrow - which gives residents relief from plane noise as runways are switched for the last part of the day - could be ended as a short-term alternative to the expansion.

We will leave no stone unturned in our fight against the environmental and social catastrophe that major expansion at Stansted would cause Campaign director Carole Barbone

A judicial review would force the Government to re-examine the plans.

The Government is also facing opposition to plans for a short third runway at Heathrow.

SSE campaign director Carole Barbone said people living near Stansted were determined to stop the expansion, planned for 2011-2012.

At a press conference at the House of Commons on Monday she said: "We will leave no stone unturned in our fight against the environmental and social catastrophe that major expansion at Stansted would cause.

"We will pursue every legal and regulatory avenue available to us, and the launch of this claim for judicial review following the issue of the White Paper is the first step."