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Airport operator BAA has submitted its response to the government consultation on expanding Heathrow airport and stressed that the growth plans can be carried out in a responsible way.

In its submission to the Department of Transport, the organisation said that Heathrow can be developed in a way that serves the social and economic interests of the UK.

Mike Forster, BAA's business strategy director, said that the London hub is the 'social and economic engine room of the UK'.

'The UK will draw obvious benefits from new runway capacity at Heathrow, in terms of jobs and international competitiveness,' he added.

'However, it is important that we address important environmental concerns and our submission to this consultation clearly demonstrates how we can grow Heathrow, with due regard for local communities and the environment and in a responsible way.'

Plans to build a third runway at Heathrow have met with vehement opposition, with protesters engaging in two particularly high-profile stunts this week.

Greenpeace placed a sign reading 'Climate Emergency: No 3rd Runway' on the tailfin of a British Airways plane at Heathrow, while demonstrators from the Plane Stupid group climbed to the roof of the Houses of Parliament and decorated the building with a banner reading 'BAA HQ'.

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