The Government has given the go-ahead to Gatwick’s £2.2 billion second runway plan.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the green light to the airport expansion today.

The plan is aimed at increasing the airport's capacity by 100,000 flights a year.

In the privately-financed project, the West Sussex airport will move its emergency runway 12 metres north.

The plan is aimed at increasing the airport's capacity by 100,000 flights a year

This will enable it to be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.

Ms Alexander backed the scheme as a “no-brainer” for economic growth, a Government source said, suggesting flights could take off from the new full runway before 2029.

Local campaigners previously expressed concerns over impacts on surface transport, noise, housing provision and wastewater treatment.

The Cabinet minister is said to be satisfied with adjustments made, covering issues such as noise mitigation and the proportion of passengers who would travel to and from the airport by public transport.

The Planning Inspectorate initially rejected the airport’s application and earlier this year recommended Ms Alexander should approve the project if the changes were made.

Gatwick says its plans will create £1billion per year in economic benefits and generate an additional 14,000 jobs.

A Government source said: “The Transport Secretary has cleared Gatwick expansion for take-off.

“With capacity constraints holding back business, trade and tourism, this is a no-brainer for growth.

“This Government has taken unprecedented steps to get this done, navigating a needlessly complex planning system, which our reforms will simplify in future."