UK government green lights Heathrow expansion | News


The construction of a third runway at London Heathrow Airport is set to begin in earnest following approval for the project by the UK parliament.

The government made a series of pledges to ensure the passing of the bill, including that there would be no cost to taxpayers.

Officials also promised an economic boost providing 100,000 jobs, built-in environmental protections and the ability to fine Heathrow or ground aircraft if the airport breaks its own promises over the scheme.

To make sure expansion is delivered with consumers’ interests at heart, the government has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the scheme remains affordable while meeting the needs of passengers.

The government has also announced the creation of a new Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise, which will be an independent expert voice on noise issues, acting as a link between airport operators, airlines and local communities.

To protect the environment, development consent would only be granted on the basis that the new runway is delivered within existing air quality obligations.

Officials predict the expansion of Heathrow will cost about £14 billion.

The project is likely to lead to hundreds of homes being demolished in the nearby villages of Longford, Harmondsworth and Sipson.

There have also been concerns over noise pollution in west London and the environmental cost of the project.

However, the department for transport has argued no expansion would mean the five airports which serve London reaching full capacity by 2034.

A new runway at Heathrow would increase capacity from 86 million passengers annually to 130 million.

Boris Johnson, long an opponent of the scheme, ducked the vote.

Having previously pledged to “lie down in front of the bulldozers” while London mayor, the foreign secretary is overseas on a diplomatic engagement.

Reaction

Following the vote, Manchester Airports Group called for the government to “maximise the potential of other airports” – not least because new capacity at Heathrow is more than a decade away.

In a statement the company, which operates Manchester and Stansted airports, said: “It is vital for the UK economy that the country has the best possible aviation connections and that means actively supporting airports that can deliver global connections now.

“Manchester and London Stansted have significant capacity for growth, and we are investing £1.5 billion in new facilities to enable them to drive the UK economy.

“With less than a year until Brexit, Government must do more to maximise the potential of all airports, to ensure the UK doesn’t lose out over the next decade.”

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