A £33billion plan to move the M25 to make way for Heathrow ’s third runway has been backed by ministers.

The Transport Secretary on Wednesday rejected a rival proposal from Arora Group , saying the airport’s own plans were "the most credible and deliverable option".

Heidi Alexander did concede that Heathrow’s scheme “requires major works to the M25” but it would mean “the acquisition of fewer residential properties around the airport” than the other option.

The proposals involve building a 3,500-metre runway and require a new M25 tunnel and bridges to be built 130 metres west of the existing motorway.

The Arora plan, put forward by a group led by hotel tycoon Surinder Arora, was for a shorter, 2,800-metre runway that would not require diverting the major London ring road.

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