A third runway at Heathrow was recommended by the Airports Commission this morning, prompting outrage across south-west London.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Thorny issue: Thousands attended a rally against expansion

Expanding the airport has been a hugely controversial issue because of its location in a build-up area and potential impacts of the environment, as well as noise concerns.

The commission, chaired by Howard Davies, advises Heathrow should only be expanded if a number of measures are met.

It includes a ban on night flights, a noise authority and a levy to fund compensation schemes.

Richmond Council leader Lord True described the report as "a cunning trade-off, designed to appease local residents" and promised to fight expansion.

He said: "If the government accept this recommendation there would be a major issue of personal credibility.

"I believe the Prime Minister will stand by his word.

"Together with our partner local authorities, we will fight this recommendation with every means at our disposal."

Prime Minister David Cameron said in 2009, speaking at Christ's School in Richmond: "The third runway at Heathrow is not going ahead, no ifs, no buts."

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith said: "Sir Howard has addressed an aviation model that is becoming obsolete.  Transfer traffic across Europe has been declining for years because of technology changes and the rise of low cost carriers, while point-to-point trips are increasing.

"His is the telegram approach in a broadband age.

"We need a super-competitive network, with our three main airports competing properly for customers. Above all that means investing in better surface links.

"The commission has now reported, and the Government must respond to it. It will surely conclude that Heathrow is expansion is neither legally nor politically deliverable. MPs, council leaders, residents across the giant flight path will come together in a campaign to make sure of that."

But John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow's chief executive, said Richmond residents would benefit from less noise impact should the plans proceed.

He said: "For Richmond, Heathrow expansion will mean less noise impact, quieter and lighter aircraft.

"This will enable much improved public transport to the airport through Southern Rail Access.

"The commission has backed a positive and ambitious vision for Britain - now the Government must act decisively to back the recommendation."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Boris Johnson: Has publicly opposed expansion of Heathrow

Twickenham MP Tania Mathias said the report was "extremely disappointing" and said she would continue to campaign against the third runway.

She said: "I will continue to fight against a third runway in Heathrow.

"I note that the report does, nevertheless, state that the Gatwick option is 'conceivable'.

"I do not consider the cost-benefit analysis for Heathrow adequately addresses the noise and air pollution consequences for Twickenham residents."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson called the report "catastrophic" and said a third runway "would not happen".

Wandsworth Council leader Councillor Ravi Govindia also criticised the report.

He said: "A third runway would inevitably push Heathrow’s world-leading noise and pollution impacts to new highs and severely damage the quality of life across the UK’s most densely populated region."

Anti-Heathrow expansion group Hacan said the publication of the report was "far from the end of the story" and said a second runway at Gatwick could still go ahead.

Chairman John Stewart added: "Given the strength of opposition there is to Heathrow within the Cabinet, the final chapter could contain a sting in the tail.

"Gatwick could emerge as the final choice by Christmas."

As part of the development, nearly 800 homes north of the airport would have to be demolished.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Back Heathrow: Not without supporters

Rob Gray, of Back Heathrow, called on politicians opposing the third runway, such as Boris Johnson and Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, to apologise for "shameful attacks on the airport".

He said: "Now we need action and for some politicians to catch up with public opinion on this vital issue."

The new runway would cost £17.6bn as well as up to £5bn being spent on substantially changed road and rail links around the airport.

A second runway at Gatwick would cost just over £7bn.

The report "beggars belief" because of its impact on the environment, according to Paul McGuinness, speaking for the Teddington Action Group.

He added: "At a time when legislation to protect the environment is quite rightly being tightened, it seems extremely short-sighted of the Commission to propose the costly expansion of an airport that could find itself unable to operate within the law."

London Assembly member and Hampton Wick Councillor Tony Arbour said: "Heathrow is the wrong choice and shows the commission was a waste of time and money.

"It won’t be long before that runway is also at capacity - soon we’ll have our four runways, then six, but in parts of London that won’t work in sync."

Further criticism came from Conservative MEP Syed Kamall, who tweeted saying the commission was a "waste of time", while the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said "a small minority of wealthy individuals are fuelling the demand for airport expansion".

Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airport community groups released a statement reaffirming their opposition against either new runway.

A spokesman said: "There has been insufficient and inadequate consultation of affected communities on the introduction of airspace changes in the past."