Heathrow Airport
On 1 July 2015, the Airports Commission recommended building a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
In September 2013, during the consultation process, we responded to the Commission’s discussion paper on aviation noise. We raised concerns about how aircraft noise is measured and the effect of noise on local communities.
In January 2015, we formally responded to the Commission’s airport expansion proposals. In May 2015, we also responded to questions about air quality. We are reviewing the Commission’s recommendation in detail, but there are strong signs that our concerns have not been fully addressed.
We recognises Heathrow’s importance to London and the borough. However, we continue to oppose expansion because of the environmental impact and the lack of suitable transport infrastructure. We remain part of the 2M group of local authorities, led by the London Borough of Hillingdon, which raises concerns about Heathrow expansion and airport operations.
The current proposal is the largest expansion plan ever put forward for Heathrow. It could double passenger numbers and add around 250,000 flights each year. The Commission’s report also suggests that Heathrow could reach its maximum capacity within 10 to 15 years of a third runway opening. This could lead to pressure for a fourth runway in the future.
The Commission’s own assessment says the overall noise impact would be “significantly adverse”, even with measures to reduce noise. This is likely to concern residents already affected by aircraft noise, as well as people who may experience disruption for the first time. We are also concerned that there is not enough reliable aircraft noise data to fully assess the impact of a third runway.
We also have concerns about air quality. Increased traffic linked to Heathrow expansion could make air pollution worse across London. This could undermine the work London boroughs are doing to improve air quality.
Central London boroughs and boroughs near Heathrow already face high levels of air pollution. In some areas, nitrogen dioxide levels are more than double the national annual objective. This is especially true near major roads, including the A4 through Knightsbridge, which is a key route to the airport. The whole borough is an Air Quality Management Area, with road traffic responsible for around half of nitrogen dioxide pollution and most particulate matter pollution.
We believe the Commission has not properly addressed the impact of noise and air pollution on public health. This is a significant concern in its recommendation.
Read the Airports Commission’s recommendations and supporting documents on the UK Government website.
To view our Davies Commissions Consultations Responses, see the below documents:
