The government has published its blueprint for a third runway at Heathrow, describing expansion of the airport as 'critical to national growth' — a move that could see the M25 motorway moved and cost £33bn.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a consultation on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement (HENPS), setting out the conditions needed if the project is to be given the go-ahead. Two proposals have been presented: Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) wants a full-length 3,500-metre runway, requiring the M25 to be moved, at an estimated cost of £33bn including £1.5bn for the motorway diversion. The scheme would increase capacity to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers a year, fully privately financed.
“Government publishes blueprint for Heathrow third runway, calling expansion critical to national growth, with two proposals on the table.”
A rival bid from tycoon Surinder Arora, who specialises in providing rooms for aircrew near airports, proposes a 2,800-metre runway that would not involve moving the motorway. In November last year, Alexander announced her preference for a full-length runway, saying the government considered the development covered by the HENPS was critical to national growth. 'This is a signal of the importance the government places on the need for expansion and will be an important additional factor in the planning balance,' she said.
The draft policy requires applicants to demonstrate how the transport network would accommodate increased passenger numbers, including road and rail improvements. Expansion must also be compatible with the UK's legally binding climate targets, not cause new breaches of air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions are not worse than 2024 levels, with reductions where possible.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was determined to get 'spades in the ground' for the third runway, and for it to be built by 2035. She claimed Heathrow was currently 'not punching its weight' as a hub airport, and argued that Heathrow was 'the perfect example of the problem in the UK in being able to get stuff done', with people knowing 'for years, decades' that a third runway was needed but failing to build one.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said he 'strongly welcomed the government has taken this next critical step'. He added: 'The UK cannot realise its full economic potential without an expanded Heathrow and this is an important step towards delivering the capacity the country needs. We will now focus on securing planning permission and delivering this vital project.'
But Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at climate charity Possible, said the government was 'living in a fantasy land if it thinks it can allow a new runway without making noise…' — her words trailing off into unresolved tension over the environmental and noise impacts yet to be fully addressed.