Heathrow has announced it will launch an eight-week public consultation to finalise its proposals for airport expansion following the recent decision by the UK’s aviation regulator, the CAA, to cap early spending on the project.
Heathrow say capping spending has prolonged the construction period of a new third runway and means they will need to undertake refreshed modelling of key aspects of the plan – including public transport to and from the airport – to evidence that Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) targets can be met.
The consultation will run from April through to June. Heathrow will be writing to local authorities in the coming weeks with more information, offering them the opportunity to feedback on the approach to consultation. Responses will feed into the final planning application, which the airport aims to submit to the Planning Inspectorate towards the end of 2020.
Heathrow’s submission to the Planning Inspectorate will detail how the airport would expand. Heathrow say their aim is to “connect all of Britain to global growth”, while meeting the requirements of the ANPS. They say this would be done while ensuring an expanded Heathrow meets strict environmental targets, delivers tens of thousands of new high-skilled jobs and honours commitments to local communities.
If Heathrow’s plans are approved by the Secretary of State on the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate, the third runway is expected to open between early 2028 and late 2029.
Heathrow’s Executive Director for Expansion Emma Gilthorpe, said: “This country is ready for a decade of infrastructure delivery underpinned by expansion at Heathrow. We are keen to ensure our plans continue to be supported and shaped by local people as we prepare to deliver the economic boost Britain needs.”
In the coming weeks, Heathrow will announce dates and locations for consultation events as it also prepares to become one of the first major international airports to operate carbon neutral infrastructure.
