PLANS to move forward with a third runway at Heathrow instead of creating a Thames Estuary base could provide a boost to Southend Airport's fortunes, it has been claimed.

The Government gave longawaited confirmation yesterday that Heathrow Airport will be extended with another runway - rejecting proposals to expand an existing runway or build a second one at Gatwick.

The decision, made at a meeting of ministers in the airport sub-committee, chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May, essentially means that proposals for an airport in the Thames Estuary - dubbed 'Boris island' - are now scrapped.

Stephen Metcalfe, Tory MP for South Basildon and Thurrock, said: "I'm pleased that the decision has finally been made.

"Whatever the decision was, it was bound to disappoint some people.

"I think it is almost impossible to envision the Thames Estuary project moving forward now.

"That proposal was always very controversial as it would have had huge environmental impacts and put pressure on an already struggling infrastructure."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson proposed plans for an estuary airport on an artificial island in the Thames in 2009, but critics feared it would be catastrophic for nearby Southend Airport.

Ann Holland, Southend Council's councillor responsible for tourism and the economy, said: "Obviously this knocks away the estuary airport, which we never wanted, so we can breathe a huge sigh of relief now.

"This will allow Southend Airport to continue to go from strength to strength which is really important for our economy. "I do feel for the people around Heathrow that didn't want it, but this is good news for us."

Tory Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge, said he supported the decision to expand Heathrow.

He said: "However, we should continue to support our regional airports as well. I have always been an avid supporter of Southend Airport. It makes light work of overseas travel and I would be keen to see additional destinations added."

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, added: "We welcome the announcement that a decision has been reached on a third runway in the south east.

"We are disappointed that it has taken so long to reach this decision and even now there will be a further period of consultation meaning that it is not likely to come into operation until 2025."

The Government claims the runway will bring up to £61billion to the nation's economy.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "The step the Government is taking is truly momentous. I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this Government is taking decisive action to secure the UK's place in the global aviation market.

Boris Johnson believes Heathrow is "undeliverable"

An airport on the Thames Estuary was originally proposed by then London mayor Boris Johnson in January 2009, when he sailed into the estuary with a team of engineers in search of a possible site.

The idea, dubbed 'Boris Island', was rejected by the Airports Commission in September 2014, citing substantial disadvantages that outweighed its benefits - but it continued to be championed by the West London MP.

After the announcement for a third runway at Heathrow, Mr Johnson described the plans as "undeliverable" and said: "It is very likely it will be stopped."

Heathrow is the preferred option because it is more focused on long-haul flights and carries more air freight. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he "absolutely" believed the third runway would be built.