The Royal Borough and four neighbouring authorities have written to the Government asking for it to rethink its support for Heathrow as the understanding of the threat posed by climate change increases.

The Windsor and Maidenhead authority has been working closely with the Hillingdon, Wandsworth, Richmond and Hammersmith & Fulham councils to oppose expansion. Now they have formally written to the Secretary of State under section 6 of the Planning Act 2008 calling for the Government's 2018 national policy statement which included support for Heathrow expansion to be reviewed.

The councils say that since it was drawn up the UK's commitment to an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 has been amended to 100 per cent, following the advice of the Climate Change Committee based on 'significant developments in climate change knowledge’.

Separate announcements by Luton and Gatwick airport that they intend to increase capacity have added to the councils' concerns. Possible Luton expansion could affect flightpaths as near as Colnbrook

Cllr Andrew Johnson, Royal Borough leader, said: “The effect on transport throughout the London area of three major airports adding tens of thousands of extra flights has not been taken into account. This is a significant area of change from 2018 and one which the Secretary of State must review.

“Expansion at three airports in the London area which all rely on the M25 will have far-reaching consequences. The increased pressure on rail and road networks in the capital will have major impacts on people’s ability to get to work and lead to worsening air quality. None of these cumulative effects have been assessed.”

All five councils say they believe that Heathrow expansion is never going to happen - they regard the potential problems of noise, air quality and climate change as insurmountable.

They went to the court of appeal in October to outline 'vital flaws' in the Government's support for Heathrow expansion, which they believe fails to take into account the full impact of expansion on noise, health and the environment. They asked the court to quash the Airports National Policy policy.

A decision is expected later this year.