A FINAL decision on the controversial expansion of Stansted Airport could be delayed at the 11th hour.

Uttlesford Council will host an extraordinary meeting this evening after councillors signed a petition demanding a final decision notice over the £600m revamp be delayed until after next week's local elections.

Most of the details of the planning application for the expansion have been approved by Uttlesford Council, however airport bosses must confirm what contributions, known as S106 agreements, will be made to the infrastructure in the Stansted area before getting the green light for the scheme.

The council had been set to approve the S106 terms put forward by Stansted Airport but has now said it has delayed the ruling after a last minute meeting was arranged.

Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion, which recently accused Uttlesford Council of rushing the final decision notice through before next week's elections, has welcomed the news a extraordinary meeting will be held and has called on councillors to vote on the application's 'merits'.

Chairman Peter Sanders said: "A good public turnout at council meetings always has the effect of improving the quality of the debate and it serves to remind councillors that they have a duty to their local electors, as well as to their party.

"This is an extremely important meeting and, coming just one week before the local elections, it will give councillors an opportunity to show where their loyalties lie."

"It's hard to believe that our own local council wants to rush through a thoroughly shabby and defective Section 106 Agreement so that it can then rubber stamp the planning application prior to the local elections.

"We are keen to explore every avenue to avoid the need to take legal proceedings against Uttlesford Council. The meeting provides a glimmer of hope that it may yet be possible to avoid such legal proceedings."

Following recent criticism from campaigners, Uttlesford Council told the Times it was working with experts and the necessary authorities to ensure the appropriate S106 agreements were reached with Stansted Airport.

Tonight's meeting will be held in the council chamber in London Road, Saffron Walden, starting at 7.30pm.