Key facts
- An official report warns that a third runway at Heathrow could adversely affect the health and wellbeing of up to 3 million people.
- The expansion is expected to worsen noise and air quality, and potentially harm access to housing, education, healthcare, and transport.
- The report also noted impacts on water quality, community identity, landscapes, and climate change mitigation.
- The government has initiated a consultation on a draft national policy statement supporting the third runway.
- Proponents highlight potential economic benefits, including 60,000 local jobs and £42bn in benefits to the UK.
- Critics warn of significant disruption, including potential displacement of homeowners and increased airline costs.
An official report commissioned by the Department for Transport has warned that the construction and operation of a third runway at Heathrow Airport could have significant adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of up to 3 million people living nearby. The analysis, conducted by consultants Aecom, found that the expansion could worsen noise and air quality, and negatively impact access to housing, education, healthcare, open space, and transport. It also highlighted potential harm to water quality, community identity, landscapes, and climate change mitigation efforts.
Despite acknowledging potential benefits for jobs, income, education, and skills, the report concluded that environmental and social considerations are likely to face significant adverse impacts that cannot be fully offset. The findings were disclosed as the government announced the next stage of its airport expansion plan, launching a consultation on a draft national policy statement backing the third runway.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the consultation as a positive step towards realizing the benefits of the third runway, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing noise, air quality, climate change, and economic growth. MPs are set to vote on the Heathrow Expansion national policy statement. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been a strong proponent of the expansion, projecting it could support over 60,000 local jobs and deliver up to £42 billion in benefits to the UK.
Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, stated that the plan is privately funded and ready for delivery after extensive scrutiny. However, critics, including the No 3rd Runway Coalition and the Aviation Environment Federation, have voiced strong opposition. They warn of extensive disruption, potential displacement of residents, increased costs for airlines, and a rushed consultation process that inadequately considers the impact on affected communities.