Heathrow consultation opens

Heathrow runway

Public consultation on Heathrow expansion runs until end of August

The introduction of a third runway at Heathrow moved a step closer this week as the government launched a public consultation on the framework for future planning decisions.

The government is backing the expansion of Britain’s largest airport, saying an expanded Heathrow could support over 60,000 of new local jobs, improve connectivity across the UK, and strengthen international passenger and freight links.

‘Expansion at Heathrow will attract international investment, boost Britain’s connectivity to new markets, and could deliver over £40 billion of benefits to the UK.

‘Up to 40% of the growth benefits of expansion, once fully operational, is expected to be in areas outside of London and the South East.

‘Passengers will see benefits through direct improvements when they travel, such as fewer delays, better value fares and more choice’.

Low flying aircraft over houses in Cranford

On the downside it will add to the UK’s carbon emissions and residents of west London can expect to have to live with greater air and noise pollution, as new residential areas come under flight paths; increased traffic on the roads; more passengers on already overcrowded public transport links; and major disruption while it is built.

For all of these reasons it is opposed by west London MPs, including MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick Andy Slaughter and MP for Brentford and Isleworth Ruth Cadbury.

READ ALSO: Heathrow expansion is not the answer – Andy Slaughter MP

READ ALSO: Ruth Cadbury MP reconfirms opposition to Heathrow expansion

The consultation will run for over ten weeks, until 1 September 2026. It is the opportunity for not just for the communities it will affect to have their say, but also businesses, and the wider aviation sector.

The Bedford Park Society has already criticised the consultation’s timing over the summer holiday period, which the No Third Runway campaign characterised as a ‘snub’ to the communities it will affect.

READ ALSO: Bedford Park residents object to timing of public consultation on Heathrow expansion

Heathrow third runway – Heathrow Airport Limited 

Planning decision should be made by 2029

The government argues the expansion is necessary to boost the capacity of Heathrow as it now handles more flights than any other two-runway airport in the world, with a record 84 million passengers using the airport last year.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:

“We’re a government of builders, not blockers, taking the steps needed to unlock billions in investment, boost growth, and create thousands of local jobs.

“Today’s consultation is a positive step towards realising the benefits of a third runway, by giving businesses, communities, and the public the chance to help shape this key project at one of the world’s most successful hub airports.

“We are determined to move quickly and responsibly to set a framework for future expansion at Heathrow that will meet the needs of local people and the country on the key issues of noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth”.

The government officially selected the scheme put forward by Heathrow Airport Limited last November, saying the plans would be in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations.

Heathrow third runway – Heathrow Airport Limited

What is proposed

Heathrow proposes to build a new 3,500m northwest runway with taxiways to handle all aircraft sizes, which will add up to 276,000 flights a year.

To accommodate the increased volume of passengers it will build a new terminal complex to the west of Terminal 5, “T5X” and “T5XN”.

It will also add new cargo facilities and upgrade surface access, including realigning the M25 beneath the new runway.

Rerouting the M25 will require the construction of a new tunnel and bridges, while keeping motorists moving.

‘We’ll aim to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruption during construction, with changes introduced in phases where needed’, it says.

The proposals will increase the capability of Heathrow Airport to provide air passenger transport services by more than 10 million passengers per annum.

The Airports National Policy Statement review will allow a planning decision by 2029 and London airspace to be redrawn to enable flights to take off from a new runway by 2035.

Heathrow third runway – Heathrow Airport Limited

How to take part in the consultation

The public is invited to take part in the consultation online or by emailing: henpsconsultation@dft.gov.uk.

Or by writing to:

Great Minster House
33 Horseferry RoadLondon,
SW1P 4DR

Read the full Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement here: Heathrow expansion consultation