A NORTH-EAST airport boss has raised the threat of legal action if plans are approved for another runway at Heathrow.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick chief executive, said Heathrow will breach air quality limits if the Government-appointed Airports Commission back its proposals for a third runway.

Bishop Auckland-born Mr Wingate said Gatwick, in West Sussex, would not breach air policy if it was granted a second runway.

The findings of the commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, are due to be delivered in weeks.

Mr Wingate said: “If a new runway at Heathrow is recommended, it will be wide open to a legal challenge.

“Air quality concerns have prevented Heathrow expansion in the past and the air quality in West London continues to exceed the legal limits.

“But Gatwick has never breached legal air quality limits and would operate comfortably within these standards with a second runway.”

However, Heathrow dismissed the criticism, saying it plans would work.

A statement added: “After three years of extensive consultation, evidence gathering and analysis, the commission has confirmed Heathrow can expand well within local air quality limits.

“Our new approach to expansion will make sure we meet our environmental commitments and deliver £211bn of economic growth and 180,000 jobs.”

But, speaking previously to The Northern Echo, Mr Wingate, a former apprentice at South West Durham Training, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said Gatwick’s proposals were the strongest on the table.

He added: “We are a better alternative and are not looking for a penny of taxpayers’ money; we can fully privately finance it.

“It could be delivered by 2025, will provide 120,000 jobs, create true competition for Heathrow, and reduce the monopoly.

“From a North-East perspective, you have to back the right horse, and the right horse is one that will bring increased connectivity.”