London’s Heathrow Airport has unveiled detailed plans of its third runway to the public. Besides the expansion which will allow for more air traffic through Heathrow, the plan, which is open for public comment until 13 September 2019, includes a proposed 6.5-hour ban on night flights to reduce disruptive noise from aircraft once the new runway opens in 2026 approximately.
The plan also wants to introduce a ‘Heathrow Ultra Low Emissions Zone’ whereby cars which are heavier polluters will be charged more to enter and park at the airport, as well as more public transport to and from the airport to reduce air pollution in neighbouring areas.
The airport’s growth is proposed in phases, from the runway opening in about 2026, to the end masterplan in approximately 2050, and the consultation process will be Heathrow’s biggest and most innovative public consultation.
Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s Executive Director for Expansion, urges local people to participate in the consultation, saying, ‘Expansion must not come at any cost. That is why we have been working with partners at the airport, in local communities and in Government to ensure our plans show how we can grow sustainably and responsibly – with environmental considerations at the heart of expansion.’
Just over a year ago on 25 June 2018, British MPs voted to approve the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides policy support for the Heathrow expansion.
However, the plans don’t come as welcome news to everyone. In 2015, Boris Johnson, whose constituency is close to Heathrow, vowed to prevent the development of a third runway. He said, ‘I will lie down with you in front of those bulldozers and stop the building, stop the construction of that third runway.’
Featured image: supplied
