SECOND runway plans at Stansted Airport are the "biggest threat to historic buildings since the Second World War".
That is the damning verdict of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings which wants to defend Uttlesford's grade II listed properties against BAA's aerial offensive.
Spokesman Douglas Kent, who lives at Wendens Ambo, told the Observer: "We do not know of any other project that involves this much destruction for commercial gain."
The society's view is shared by Stop Stansted Expansion, which has also accused airport bosses of allowing those architectural gems it already owns to go to rack and ruin even as it negotiates to buy up more to make way for expansion.
In turn, the operator has alleged its opponents are guilty of exaggeration and exploitation.
Mr Kent and SSE - along with Uttlesford District Council - have called on BAA to come clean and reveal the precise location of the 18 buildings the airport has admitted are at risk as a result of the runway scheme.
BAA has blocked their demands in a bid to protect the privacy of residents.
However the Observer has confirmed that the properties are spread over eight locations: three at Molehill Green, including the Three Horseshoes pub; four at Bamber's Green; one at Browns End Road, on the eastern side of airport, and one on the edge of Takeley.
Of those, up to seven may be left untouched by the development as BAA firms up its proposals before submitting a detailed planning application in the summer.
By contrast, SSE's website claims at least 47 picturesque properties are at risk of destruction or where quality of life will be destroyed if the runway is built.
This week, at least one family was fed-up being used as a pawn in the increasingly acrimonious argument. Resident of 15 years Anne Corr was angry to be told SSE had posted a photograph of her grade II listed farmhouse at Gaunts End - which is not actually at risk.
She said: "They do not have my permission and I am angry about this - I support the airport."
Another home caught up in the controversy is Muscombs at Great Easton. SSE accused BAA of neglecting houses including the 16th century property it bought more than a year ago and released pictures of a collapsed flint boundary last week.
BAA said the wall was damaged by recent storms and rebuilding was already scheduled.
A spokesman pointed out a tenant had been lined up, but first repairs, costing more than £25,0000 for re-wiring alone, had to be completed.
John and Rosemary Welch own Le Knells in Coopers End, one of the 18 properties at risk. Despite the threat posed by expansion, Mr Welch said the cottage was not for sale.
He said they would stay for "as long as we can" and was certainly not resigned to losing his home.
"Since the SSE campaign started, it's turning out more and more in our favour, particularly with the threat of global warming. People are more concerned about that than the expansion of the airport."
Neither BAA nor Uttlesford District Council was able to reveal details of the 18 listed properties.
A spokeswoman for BAA said: "They know who they are and we have been in contact with them for more than three years."
A district council spokeswoman confirmed: "BAA have told us they cannot release that information as they have promised affected homeowners that they will respect their privacy."
Source: Observer
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