London Heathrow Airport has launched a 10-week consultation on the planning process for its expansion, giving the public an opportunity to have their say.
For the next 10 weeks, Heathrow will seek views on how to shape its plans so it can deliver the expansion while keeping to the promises it has made to local communities, in addition to meeting strict environmental tests.
The consultation will be a chance for the public to view Heathrow’s proposals and options in detail and then provide feedback on them. It will be composed of two parts; the first relates to the physical changes to the ground needed to build a new north-west runway and operate an expanded airport.
Feedback is wanted on the potential infrastructure options, which include: three shortlisted options for the new north-west runway with length varying from between 3,200m (10,498ft) and 3,500m (11,482ft); potential locations to expand terminal infrastructure such as east of Terminal 2, west of Terminal 5 or a new satellite terminal by the new runway; and options for changes to local roads and possible changes to two junctions leading to the M25.
The second part of the consultation relates to potential principles – or rules – that could apply when designing the new airspace required for an expanded airport. Changes to airspace could improve resilience and punctuality for passengers, while reducing noise, emissions and the number of late-running flights for local communities. Future flight path options are not yet being consulted on.
Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion, said, “When the government announced its support for Heathrow’s expansion, it made a clear commitment to keeping Britain open for business. We want an expanded Heathrow to be the world’s best airport, ensuring that our country and its future generations have the infrastructure they need to thrive.
“We need feedback to help deliver this opportunity responsibly and to create a long-term legacy both at a local and national level. Heathrow is consulting to ensure that we deliver benefits for our passengers, businesses across the country, but also, importantly, for those neighbors closest to us.”
Responses can be submitted until March 28, 2018, at any of the 40 consultation events held across communities surrounding the airport, in addition to online, via email, or by post. Parliament is expected to vote on a National Policy Statement in the first half of this year, which will set out the policy framework for Heathrow’s final planning submission.