A third terminal could be built at the airport

The airport claims this would create 27,430 jobs and generate �957m for the West Midlands region.

The enlarged airport could then cope with 33m passengers by 2030. The scheme opens for consultation from Monday until March 2006.

Friends of the Earth said the expansion would lead to more pollution and the loss of green belt land.

The scheme would see a proposed runway extension and a second runway - as previously announced - as well as a third passenger terminal officially announced for the first time.

The [expansion plan] declares an open season on our environment Chris Crean, Friends of the Earth

Managing director Richard Heard, said: "We believe the airport should continue to grow and develop, as it has over the last 20 years, to continue to support the growth and development of the region.

"However, we believe that a coherent, comprehensive and effective policy, which deals with the environmental impact of our operations and future growth & development, is also essential.

"Over the years we have operated a good neighbour policy and we will continue to listen to local people and work with them to mitigate the impacts of our operations.

But Chris Crean from West Midlands Friends of the Earth said: "The BIA masterplan declares an open season on our environment.

"It is now up to the planning bodies from across the region to question the assumptions and claimed benefits that underpin this Masterplan and not take them at face value. "