LONDON - BRITAIN'S High Court has rejected a bid by environmental campaigners to stop the planned expansion of Stansted Airport in London.

The court dismissed claims by the Stop Stansted Expansion group that the government approved expansion without considering the environmental impact and noise pollution.

Judge Thayne Forbes said the criticisms were 'without substance.' The government welcomed the ruling. The campaigners said they were considering an appeal.

A public inquiry is due to be held into a proposal to build a second runway at Stansted.

The expansion would boost the airport's passenger numbers from 25 million to 35 million a year. The airport 50 kilometers north of London handles mostly short-haul flights. -- AP