Ministers are to fast-track expansion of Heathrow airport under new planning rules, it was confirmed today.

The proposals for a third runway could be decided within less than a year by a new planning commission - sparking fears it will be railroaded through in the face of widespread opposition from Londoners.

The same process could be used for the proposed switch to using current runways for both take-offs and landings.

Critics of the reforms fear local residents will be denied a proper say on developments which could blight their lives. However, the Government believes the new Infrastructure Planning Commission, due to start work next year, is vital to stop key projects of national importance being delayed for years.

Local government minister Parmjit Dhanda confirmed to Tory MP for Putney Justine Greening the commission would decide whether to allow BAA and the Government to press ahead with expansion, which could see flights increase from 480,000 a year to more than 700,000.

A public inquiry is expected to be held but not on the scale as happened previously, such as for Terminal Five, when the hearings lasted for four years.

The commission would hold the inquiry - not an independent inspector.

The Government has already been accused of colluding with BAA over a public consultation and of rigging figures to make the case for expansion - claims it denies. However, Ms Greening said: "We need a full public inquiry, not a second sham consultation. The Government intends to push through Heathrow expansion against the express will of millions of Londoners.

"This would be a disgraceful attempt at over-riding democracy after 70,000 responses to the public consultation and massive public concern."

The Tories urged Londoners to voice their anger at the Government in the mayoral poll, even though Ken Livingstone has come out against expansion.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said the commission would create a "fairer and faster system".

Whitehall officials stressed the commission would be independent and it would be making vital decisions on important infrastructure - not ministers.

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