Plans to expand Glasgow Airport have been given the go-ahead

About 200 hectares will be developed over the next 25 years after changes to a structure plan devised by several local councils.

However, any scheme for a bigger terminal at the airport would have to go through the normal planning process.

The Green Party criticised the Scottish Executive for pushing ahead with the scheme regardless of climate change.

Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said: ''Councils have acted promptly to make provision for the long-term development of Glasgow International Airport.

''The airport is vital for Scotland's economic growth and this alteration will ensure that land is available for future expansion in the coming decades.''

Scotland needs to take more serious steps towards addressing climate change and government should be taking a lead - not a back seat. Mark Ruskell Green MSP

But the Green Party disagreed, saying that the executive was pressing ahead with the expansion plans with little thought of how they would impact on the environment.

MSP Mark Ruskell said: "The executive appears committed to business as usual regardless of the ramifications for the future.

"Scotland needs to take more serious steps towards addressing climate change and government should be taking a lead - not a back seat."

Rail link

The executive said it would be "inappropriate" to commit to a widening of the M8 motorway by the airport as plans were in the pipeline to create a new 15-minute direct rail link from Glasgow city centre.

The planned route would include track between Shields Junction and Paisley Gilmour Street station, and between Paisley St James station and the airport.

Passenger numbers at Glasgow Airport are predicted to virtually double from 8.2 million by 2030.

As many as 95% of passengers at the moment get to the airport by car and warnings have been issued that the M8 will not be able to cope with the predicted increase in traffic.

New jobs

Officials argue that fewer traffic jams could lead to economic advantages, including greater investment, benefits to business, new job markets and a tourism lift for Glasgow.

Plans are also in place to develop a derelict piece of land near to Glasgow Airport which could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs.

Abbotsinch, part of Wotherspoon Holdings Ltd, has been given permission to build a hotel and other facilities on the St James Interchange site.