A council is opposing a second runway at Gatwick.

Members of Crawley Borough Council made clear their opposition when consultation on the Gatwick master plan finished at the end of June.

The council is opposed to any growth of the airport beyond its single runway, two-terminal configuration.

It supports maximum use of the single runway as long as there are satisfactory environmental safeguards to reduce the airport's impact on the surrounding area.

Councillor Doug Murdoch, executive member for planning and economic development, said: "Working together with West Sussex County Council, other local authorities and the British Airports Authority, the council has agreed a sustainable development policy for Gatwick.

"But the proposed master plan goes beyond the current proposals so the council will be seeking commitments from BAA on safety and environmental issues.

"Although the council objects to a second runway at Gatwick, we have to recognise the possibility the Government could give the go-ahead for one in the future, when we are preparing our planning policies.

"We will be seeking full information from BAA to ensure we can limit the impact this has on the town."