Heathrow third runway debate rumbles on as UK government launches consultation

Ten-week consultation invites opinions on how a proposed expansion of the constrained London hub would impact economic growth, climate targets, air quality and noise pollution.

The UK government’s target of delivering a final planning decision in 2029 on whether to build a third runway at London Heathrow has moved a step closer with the launch of a 10-week public consultation on the framework for how the proposed expansion could look.

The country’s Department for Transport on 18 June published a draft revision to the Airports National Policy Statement, which it has renamed the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), and opened up for comments until 1 September. The government is seeking input on if and how the proposed addition of a third runway could meet “key tests” on noise, air quality, climate and economic growth.

Planning proposals from developers bidding to build the extra runway will be “strictly assessed” against these criteria, says the government.

“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,” states UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander.

The government last year threw its weight behind Heathrow Airport Limited’s [HAL’s] proposal to construct a 3,500m runway, which would build over the M25 motorway that circles London. Another proposal for a shorter 2,800m runway proposed by Arora Group is also on the table.

Long-running debate

The will-they-won’t-they build a third runway at Heathrow debate has been raging for decades and through various different governments and political U-turns.

There are strong arguments on both sides, from airlines which have felt constrained by the limitations of Heathrow and look enviably at competing hubs in Europe that already have significantly more runway capacity, to local residents and councils concerned about the impact of expansion on noise pollution and local air quality, to environmental campaigners who argue that expanding Heathrow is incompatible with the UK’s legally binding climate targets.

On the climate question, the government says that the independent Climate Change Commission is being “formally consulted” on how the proposed expansion of Heathrow could be compatible with the UK’s net zero framework.

Earlier this month, a coalition of non-governmental organisations including the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) said the four tests on which the government says it will base its Heathrow framework were “under-developed, ambiguous and subject to political reframing”. The NGOs said there was a “window of opportunity to lock-in clear, legally-enforceable tests”.

Reacting to the publication of the draft HENPS, the chief executive of trade group Airports UK, Karen Brady, says: “We will work with our members and with ministers to ensure [the framework] provides the right conditions to ensure the country can deliver, in a timely and sustainable fashion, the capacity and connectivity it requires in the future, linking our communities and businesses with domestic and international markets.”

Airlines UK, meanwhile, says it would welcome “affordable airport expansion” – strongly hinting that airlines would not want to foot the bill through even higher airport charges at Heathrow.

“The government must consider all options to ensure Heathrow expansion is delivered on time and within a budget acceptable to airlines and their customers, who will pay for development, and, crucially, leads to tangible benefits for travellers who already face some of the highest airport charges in the world at the UK’s only hub airport,” says the airlines body.

For its part, London Heathrow describes the publication of the draft HENPS as “a significant milestone”. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye says: “We strongly welcome that the government has taken this next critical step. The UK cannot realise its full economic potential without an expanded Heathrow, and this is an important step towards delivering the capacity the country needs.

“Our plan is privately funded by some of the largest investors in the world, widely supported by businesses, trade unions and communities across the country and it’s ready to go after years of scrutiny. We will now focus on securing planning permission and delivering this vital project.”

The government’s intention is for a third runway to be operational by 2035.