Plans for a third runway at Heathrow lie in tatters today after a High Court ruling against the Government decision to go ahead with the scheme.

Lord Justice Sir Robert Carnwath ruled the Government must go back to square one and begin consultation again after a legal challenge led by six councils - including Richmond, Hounslow and Wandsworth - and campaign groups.

The judge ruled that the 2003 Air Transport White Paper – the foundation of expansion plans across the country, including a third runway at Heathrow - was obsolete because it was inconsistent with the Climate Change Act 2008.

He dismissed the Government’s claims to the contrary as “untenable in law and common sense”.

John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace, said: “This ruling leaves the Government’s Heathrow decision in tatters.

“Ministers will now have to go back to the drawing board and conduct a broad consultation on key issues where their case is extremely weak.

“The third runway was already on life support, but with this ruling it’s hard to even find a pulse.”

Lord Justice Carnwath ruled any expansion plans must be reviewed against the implications of the 2008 Climate Change Act.

He called on the Government to look again at the economic case for a third runway and the issue of how additional passengers would get to a bigger airport.

The judge invited the Government to sign a legally binding undertaking that it would not base future aviation policy solely on its 2003 white paper.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, said she was "thrilled" with today's judgement.

She said: "It's a fantastic victory for local residents, environmental groups and councils, and it's very clearly the nail in the coffin of the third runway.

"The judge very clearly recognised that the Government had come to a decision on a forced prospectus.

"We know that on analysis that's based on the real numbers from the environmental perspective, which we are getting now from the committee on climate change, means that the whole argument for Heathrow expansion collapses."

Councillor Barbara Reid, lead member for environment at Hounslow Council, said outside court that the ruling was a "glorious victory" for west Londoners.

She said: "The Government's policy is completely in tatters. It must surely be the final nail in the coffin and they will have to go back to the drawing board.

"We knew the third runway would be devastating for west London and now we have that backed up by the law.

"It's such a great day, we can hardly believe it because the battle has been so long, but it's such a good victory for the people of Hounslow and west London."

John Stewart, chairman of anti-aircraft noise campaign group Hacan, added: “This is an utterly damning verdict for the Government.

"It not only raises very serious concerns about a third runway at Heathrow, it also calls into question the Government’s entire aviation policy.

“This really could be the final nail in the coffin for a third runway.”

A further court hearing is expected to take place next month to examine the Government's response to the judge's request.

At the same hearing the coalition will seek costs and fully expects to recover those costs from the Government.

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