More than a hundred people could stage a blockade at Heathrow airport in protest at government plans to build a controversial third runway.

Under the plans that were officially backed by the government last week, half of the ancient town of Harmondsworth, just north of the airport, would be flattened to make way for the new runway, along with nearby Longford.

The announcement on October 25 also saw anti-Heathrow expansion activist and Richmond Park and North Kingston MP Zac Goldsmith resign as a Conservative, prompting a by-election in December where he will instead stand as an independent.

Bosses at Heathrow airport argue that the move will bring more business to the UK, as well as creating thousands of jobs in the area.

However, campaigners from Climate Change is a Crisis are expected to form a blockade near the airport – an arrestable offence – on November 19 in protest at the plans.

The group says they will only go ahead with the plans if 100 people pledge to join the “mass civil obedience” that says airport expansion is a “red line for the climate”.

Demonstrators from the group will also lead a “family-friendly” protest at the Three Magpies pub in Longford on the same day.

A spokesman for the group said: “Aviation expansion is incompatible with the UK’s own laws on climate change, and makes a farce of Britain’s recent international climate change commitments.

“In the UK, it will treble premature deaths caused by Heathrow Airport’s air pollution, and undermine local democracy.

“For the sake of human life there are some lines that cannot be crossed. This is one of them. Only 15 per cent of the British public is responsible for 70 per cent of international flights taken in the UK and Heathrow largely serves international passengers who have a mean income of £57,000 per year.

“This expansion is being driven by the very rich at the expense of some of the poorest people in the world.”

Rob Gray, Director of the Back Heathrow campaign, said:

“These protestors do not represent the majority of local residents or the millions of people who simply want to be able to access and use the airport.

“It is complete nonsense to suggest that expansion simply benefits the rich. The protestors boast about 'family-friendly protests' but these would actually prevent thousands of apprenticeships being created to help eradicate local youth unemployment so their proposed actions are the very opposite of 'family-friendly'.

“Heathrow expansion is supported by most local residents who are pleased that the local area will benefit from new jobs and investment.

“The blockaders should listen to them before embarking on an illegal, disruptive and hollow protest.”