Heathrow airport handles over 60 million passengers a year

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers gave the go-ahead for a fifth terminal at Heathrow, saying it was "in the national interest" and would keep Heathrow ahead of its rivals worldwide. He insisted there would be strict controls on noise and the number of flights.

 The BBC's Simon Montague reports

A passenger airliner approaching Heathrow Airport

It will bring thousands of new jobs, and boost passenger numbers by 25 million a year. But the economic benefits come at an environmental cost and many local people and campaign groups are horrified by the news. They argue that the expansion will bring unacceptable levels of noise and other pollution.

 Anti-Terminal Five Campaigner, John Stewart  Aviation workers' union spokesman, Roger Muskell

BAA first applied to build Terminal Five in 1993

It has taken eight years for the British Airports Authority to get approval for its plans, following the country's longest ever public inquiry. The delay has raised questions over Britain's sometimes tortuous planning system and how far it is responsible for the country's crumbling infrastructure.

 The BBC's Evan Davies reports
 Former Transport Minister Stephen Norris, Architect Will Alsop and Friends of the Earth's Charles Secrett discuss how Britain plans major projects.

British Airways Concordes fly in and out of Heathrow every day

The public inquiry into Terminal Five had to consider a range of issues. Over a four year period it heard evidence about noise levels, the impact on the environment and on local roads. It also considered arguments that the development should take place elsewhere.

 The BBC's Christopher Wain reports