Heathrow Airport expansion plans are now with government. If approved, the privately-financed plans could unlock jobs and growth for Surrey businesses. But there are still concerns around infrastructure, public transport, pollution and noise.
Heathrow submitted its shovel-ready proposals last week (Friday 1 August), promising a third runway and supporting infrastructure can be ready within a decade.
An expanded Heathrow would cost close to ยฃ48 billion. Benefits include giving passengers more choice, opening up new routes and increasing capacity. Plus terminals will be more spacious and accessible with flights quicker to take off, thanks to a once-in-a-generation redesign of the airfield.
Once completed, Heathrow says its plans would grow the UK economy by 0.43% GDP – providing jobs to Surrey residents and supply chain opportunities to Surrey businesses.
But there are concerns around the impact it could have on those living nearest, especially noise, pollution and transport connections.
Feedback from the Government is required by September to take the plans forward. Further consultation will follow with a planning application expected to be submitted in 2028.
Heathrow Airport expansion plans – in detail
The blueprint submitted to Government is available on the Heathrow website. It is not a formal planning application. The Heathrow airport expansion plans include:
- A north-western runway up to 3,500 metres โ a design that already has Parliamentary support
- Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers
- A brand-new terminal โT5Xโ, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals
The investment consists of three main elements:
- ยฃ21 billion for the new runway and airfield infrastructure
- ยฃ12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity โ the brand new T5X
- ยฃ15 billion for modernising the current airport through expanding Terminal 2 and ultimately closing Terminal 3
Heathrowโs proposals include more choice and capacity on public transport. This includes enhanced rail capacity plus walking and cycling routes, reducing local and environmental impacts.
A new road tunnel, plans for two dedicated parkways and improvements to the countryโs busiest bus and coach station are also proposed.
Heathrow is also confirming its commitment to reach net zero by 2050. It says it has a deliverable plan to get there, as well as setting targets on noise reduction and air quality.
If the Government implements the necessary policy changes, Heathrow plans to consult with airlines, the local community, local authorities, businesses and others from next year.
A planning application is expected to be submitted in 2028.
Heathrow expansion – impact on Surrey
Heathrow is located to the north of Surrey, neighbouring key towns such as Staines, Egham and Sunbury. It provides employment to thousands of residents and contributes millions to the regional economy.
Heathrow says its expansion plans will offer tens of thousands of employment opportunities during design, construction and operation. It will also unlock lifelong careers for those who live closest.
Meanwhile 40% of the wider supply chain spend will go to companies in London and the South East.
But more flights and a bigger airport means more potential disruption to those living nearest. Noise, emissions and public transport are key concerns.
Heathrow says its noise footprint has reduced by 41% since 2006 and all air quality monitors around the airport are meeting limits. A third runway and redesigned airspace will give communities and passengers more certainty and reliability on flight paths.
For the airport’s nearest neighbours, a community fund is being proposed. And Heathrow says it will continue to engage on how to be a better neighbour to its local community.
Heathrow airport expansion plans – reaction
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:ย
โIt has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With a green light from Government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit for purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country. We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.โ
A spokesman for Surrey County Council said:
โWe recognise the crucial role ofย Heathrowย airport in supporting employment for Surrey residents, generating investment in the Surrey economy and in attracting and retaining major businesses to locate in the county.
“Our goal is to work constructively with the Government, the airport, relevant national agencies and other local authorities on the proposals for a third runway in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.
โDespite this, we remain strongly of the view that expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.”
Looking for support?
Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all, no matter the size or stage of journey.
We recognise you may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face. So you can get in touch with our expert enterprise advisors at any point.
You can also:
- access an easy-to-useย support directoryย with more than 120 national and regional schemes.
- list of events across Surreyย to support networking and shared learning
- register to receive our regular newsletter, including news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.
