Plans to expand Gatwick airport have been condemned by the region's Green Party Euro-MP.

Caroline Lucas says the proposals will devastate large swathes of the green belt and swallow up hundreds of homes and heritage sites.

She warned that the plans, unveiled last week, would also increase pollution and congestion and bring renewed misery to thousands of Sussex commuters.

Dr Lucas, Member of the European Parliament for the Sussex region, said: "The impact of this expansion would be absolutely devastating.

"New runways would require concreting over the green belt and gobbling up almost 500 homes, six listed buildings, a conservation area, three sites of nature conservation and even a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest."

She said existing transport systems would collapse under the strain without a massive road-widening and rail expansion programme.

The South East Regional Air Study originally proposed no expansion for Gatwick, honouring a pledge by airport operator BAA that Gatwick would maintain its current size until at least 2019.

But the High Court ruled that this compromised the consultation and ordered the Government to restart the process. Concerned residents now have until June 30 to register their opinions.

Three options for expansion at Gatwick are proposed - one new runway alongside existing facilities; one new runway set slightly apart, boasting more capacity but a greater impact on surrounding areas; or two new runways.

Dr Lucas said: "Expanding airports to meet rising passenger demand is both economically flawed and dishonest.

Increasing demand is due to low prices, which in turn are available only because the Government subsidises the industry to the tune of £7 billion every year.

"If the aviation industry had to pay fuel tax, VAT on aircraft and ticketing, and costs of ill-health caused by aircraft and airport traffic pollution shouldered by the NHS to name but a few of the hidden subsidies and tax breaks received by the industry, air travel would not be such a popular option."

Roger Cato, managing director at Gatwick, said: "The issue of extra runway capacity in the South-East is one of great importance in the region and the revised consultation gives everyone the opportunity to express their views on Gatwick's future."

West Sussex County Council described the scheme as a disaster for the county but Sussex Enterprise, which represents businesses in the region, has welcomed the proposals.

Chief Executive Mark Froud said: "Now that expansion at Gatwick Airport is back on the agenda we can have a fair debate about the future of the UK aviation industry.

"We are inviting Sussex businesses to get involved in this debate and voice their views at an event we are holding in March.

"Businesses will be asked to vote on whether they support the proposed developments. The results will form the basis of our response to the government's report."

The Government has now extended the consultation period until June 30 and all parties will be asked to make their submissions by then.