The London Assembly has called for a halt to any plans to expand Heathrow.

At a City Hall meeting yesterday, the assembly voted to back anyone fighting the proposals for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow.

Assembly member for the south west, Tony Arbour, who proposed the vote, accused the Government of trying to force through the plans.

He said: "It seems that the Government is intent on publishing plans for additional facilities at Heathrow but they appear to be railroading consultation on this issue.

"Heathrow is clearly already at capacity and any more expansion will make the lives of those under the flight path unbearable.

"Enough is enough."

Twenty-two assembly members voted for the motion that it "give all possible support to councils, community groups and the mayor in opposing" the plans.

Airport operator BAA said Heathrow was already operating at full capacity and needed to expand if London was to compete in world business.

"We recognise that there are challenging social and environmental issues which must be resolved before additional runway capacity can be considered at Heathrow," a BAA spokeswoman said.

"This means ensuring no more aircraft noise than in 2002, all pollution safely within EU limits and public transport improvements to manage congestion.

"However it is important to also recognise the economic and social benefits that Heathrow brings locally, to London and to the UK and the damage that restricting responsible growth would have."

In December 2006, the Government published a review of the 2003 Air Transport White Paper, calling for two new runways in the south-east at Stansted and later Heathrow.

The Government is due to consult on the possible expansion of Heathrow, a third runway or changes to the current use of Heathrow's runways, later this year.