On 25 June, the House of Commons approved the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), backing Heathrow expansion through developing a new North-West runway.
A new runway at Heathrow will be the first full-length runway in the South-East since the Second World War, and will deliver a boost of up to £74 billion to the economy, ensuring the UK maintains its position as a global leader in aviation.
Forecasts show that by the mid-2030s all five of London's major airports will be at full capacity. Expanding Heathrow will not only improve connectivity in the UK itself, but will also better connect the UK to long-haul destinations in growing world markets, boosting trade and creating jobs. Expansion at Heathrow will be privately funded and the costs will not be met by the taxpayer.
The NPS takes into account public and industry feedback and recommendations made by the Transport Committee to ensure that airport expansion in the South-East will be delivered in a way that is cost-efficient, sustainable and in passengers’ best interests.
This includes a world-class package of compensation and mitigation measures to support those affected by the expansion, with up to £2.6 billion for compensation, noise insulation and community amenities, and a legally enforceable ban on scheduled night flights for 6.5 hours, at least an hour longer than the current ban in operation.
To protect the environment, development consent would only be granted on the basis that the new runway is delivered within existing air-quality obligations.
You can read the Airports National Policy Statement in full at the following website:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/714106/airports-nps-new-runway-capacity-and-infrastructure-at-airports-in-the-south-east-of-england-web-version.pdf
Transport Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling MP, said:
‘Expansion at Heathrow presents a unique opportunity to deliver a multi-billion pound boost to our economy, strengthen our global links and maintain our position as a world leader in aviation.
As we leave the EU, the UK must remain one of the world’s best-connected and outward-looking countries and a third runway at Heathrow is the best option to deliver this.
We have listened to views through our consultations and will ensure a world-class package of measures to help any local communities affected by the expansion.’
The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath, commented:
‘I fully support a new runway at Heathrow. It is a central part of the Government’s plan to build a global Britain, and an economy that works for everyone.
I am also delighted that the Government has 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.’