Heathrow expansion plans are being backed by government following an announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week.
In a speech delivered yesterday, the Chancellor said a third runway would “unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected”.
The government, she added, invites proposals to be brought forward by summer.
In response, Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “We recognise the crucial role ofย Heathrow 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 agenciesย andย other local authoritiesย onย proposals for a third runwayย in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.
“Despite this, we remain strongly of the view thatย expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.
“Any expansion will only be a success for Surrey residents and businesses and for the wider South East if there is a clear and agreed framework for the necessary infrastructure, including southern rail access, together with appropriate mitigation measures and commitments to address environmental impacts in place before any new runway comes into operation.
“We call on the Government to take the lead in developing such a framework.”
What are the Heathrow expansion plans?
Heathrow expansion plans include a new, full length, runway to the north-west of the airport and several new facilities both on and off the airfield.
An economic impact report published by Heathrow estimates a third runway could boost the UK economy by close to ยฃ17.1 billion per annum by 2050 (0.43% of GDP).
Heathrow is currently consulting with investors, government, airline customers and regulators on next steps.ย Proposals include:
- A new terminal building to the west of Terminal 5 and the eventual demolition of Terminal 3 to make way for a series of new satellite terminals
- Creating new public transport interchange points and consolidating parking facilities
- Adding surface access capacity to the airport, taking advantage of planned future railway upgrades in the area
- Significant community compensation schemes and impact mitigation measures
- Increasing capacity for an additional 260,000 flights per year
Further details – including a series of FAQs – are available on the Heathrow website.
Copyright:ย Photo ยฉ BAA Airports Limited