The UK Government"s decision over whether to permit or suspend the expansion of Heathrow Airport has been held back until January.
In a statement made to parliament, Geoff Hoon, the transport secretary, said that the issue needed further consultation and called on all segments of the political spectrum to help the government come to an appropriate conclusion.
BAA, the owner of the UK"s largest airport, urges that the third runway at the facility be completed by 2020 claiming that it could help the operator increase the number of flights from 480,000 in a year to more than 700,000.
On the other hand, local residents and environmental groups have been raising serious concerns on the expansion of the facility on charges that the expansion would result in increasing noise and pollution levels.
In a written statement to parliament, Mr. Hoon said, "I know that there are strong views across a range of interests. I will ensure that I give proper consideration to the evidence before me and will therefore take more time before making an announcement to the House, in January 2009.â
Earlier, the government had announced that it would announce its decision on the proposed expansion by the end of 2008.
In a statement made last week, BAA said it would appoint an independent assessor who would estimate whether the noise and air quality remain under permitted levels and duly report to the government if the third runway was approved.
