Expansion plans for Stansted and Luton airports are being backed by a government agency.

A report by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is calling for one extra runway at Stansted, in Essex, and aviation facilities at Alconbury in Cambridgeshire.

It also argues for the growth of Luton Airport, in Bedfordshire, to allow it to handle 29 million passengers per year by 2030 - at present it handles 6 million.

The report also calls for one further short runway for short haul services at Heathrow.

The government is trying to force the Stansted expansion through

Brian Ross, Stop Stansted Expansion

The EEDA report also supports the runways at Norwich and Southend and argues for their maximum use.

The government consultation document aims to set out the options for the development of air services and airports over the next 30 years.

Bill Samuel, EEDA chief executive, said: "EEDA wants to see that appropriate aviation infrastructure is planned to meet demand for the next 30 years.

Protesters are angry over expansion plans

"Growth at Stansted and Luton airports in particular will assist regeneration priorities."

But the report has been criticised by anti-airport campaigners.

Brian Ross, of Stop Stansted Expansion, said the EEDA had been told by the government not to consider options for a new airport built offshore in the Thames estuary.

"The EEDA have only recommended this because as there is no other option - they need to be allowed to consider an airport in the estuary," he said.

'No flying'

"The government won't even address this issue.

"The government is trying to force the Stansted expansion through."

Ivan Ivanovic, transport spokesman for the Cambridge branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, called for the former site of RAF Alconbury to be used for housing and small businesses rather than aviation.

EEDA wants Alconbury to be home to a repair business for aeroplanes including a runway.

"We believe there should not be flying activities at Alconbury whatsoever," he said.

"Any flying facilities will also lead to pressures for extra homes."