Opponents of Heathrow expansion have promised that the fight will continue - despite Wednesday's Supreme Court decision overturning the Friends of the Earth's victory against the third runway earlier this year.

The Royal Borough covering Windsor and Maidenhead has fiercely opposed expansion - in partnership with other neighbouring authorities.

Windsor's MP Adam Afriyie said: "“The court’s decision is disappointing but the fight goes on.

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"A third runway still makes no sense in terms of the economics, congestion, pollution, environment and the price hikes for passengers. Taxpayers must not be forced to pay billions to entrench an existing virtual monopoly at the most expensive and non-competitive private airport in the world.

"I trust that the Government will stop it once and for all.”

Jenny Bates, campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "Last week the government was even warned by its own advisers at the Committee on Climate Change that there can be no net expansion of UK airport capacity unless the aviation industry achieves unexpectedly fast emissions cuts. Given this warning, it is hard to see how Heathrow expansion can proceed."

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But a Heathrow spokesman said: "This is the right result for the country, which will allow Global Britain to become a reality."

The spokesman acknowledged that the airport would still have to prove as part of the planning process that its plans did not go against the Paris climate agreement before any construction could begin.

Slough Council supports the expansion. Its leader Cllr James Swindlehurst said: "Today’s ruling is positive news not just for Slough, but the UK as a whole and we hope this major infrastructure project can now be put back on track for delivery.

"As a neighbouring borough we and our local communities have always supported the jobs and economic opportunities Heathrow gives to our residents.

"But today’s decision doesn’t give Heathrow a free pass in terms of its environmental commitments and I look forward to Heathrow presenting a more environmentally sustainable operating model."