AIRPORT operator BAA's bid to increase the existing runway at Stansted Airport to full capacity has received a setback after Uttlesford District Council postponed a decision on its application.

The council's development control committee was expected to discuss BAA's plans to have the limits on the existing runway lifted at a meeting on Wednesday, September 27.

However, despite the meeting going ahead, a decision cannot be reached because the council claim to be waiting on responses from organisation including the Highways Agency and rail industry.

Council planning officers have also requested further information from BAA on noise, traffic and air-quality issues.

Council leader Mark Gayler insisted it would be inappropriate to make a decision on the planning application without the input of these organisations.

He said: "I'm extremely disappointed that the timescale for handling this application has been stretched and I regret the continuing uncertainty that this causes for the local community. Had BAA done its homework properly before submitting the application, and had highways and rail agencies done their jobs properly, this delay would not have occurred."

If BAA is successful in its Generation 1 application BAA will be able to operate a capacity 264,000 flights and serve 35 million passengers a year by 2014 on the single runway.

A BAA spokesman said: "It's disappointing the council will fail to determine the planning application within its original timetable, despite BAA submitting a comprehensive application, following extensive public consultation and supported by wide-ranging studies.

"We're still to receive formal notice of what additional information the council requires to help it determine the application.

"However, we welcome the fact that the council is still looking to determine the application and we would like a firm decision as swiftly as possible to remove any uncertainty this delay may cause for the local community."

A decision on the deferred applicaiton is not expected to be made until November at the earliest.