The construction of a third runway at Heathrow has moved one step closer as the government has supported Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL)’s proposal to progress the project.
Transport Secretary Heider Alexander confirmed on Tuesday 25 November that the HAL scheme will shape the review of theAirports National Policy Statement (ANPS) – the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made.
The government selected HAL’s proposal over that of Arora Group/Heathrow West Limited (HWL)’s scheme, saying that it was both more future-proof and competitive.
“The government has assessed that HAL’s proposal offers the most deliverable option and provides the greatest likelihood of meeting the government’s ambition for a decision on a development consent application within this parliament,” it said.
The HAL scheme will require the M25 to be moved, resulting in severe disruption to road traffic, and will require more land than the HWL proposal. However, HAL’s scheme will also require the developer to buy fewer residential properties around the airport and it will deliver a bigger runway.
The 3.5km runway proposed by HAL was found to be advantageous compared with the 2.8km runway proposed by HWL’s scheme as it will better future-proof the runway for any next-generation airport that might require longer runways for take-off and landing.
Though the government has backed HAL’s scheme to inform the remainder of the review, this is not a final decision on a design for the third runway. Amendments to the ANPS and exact details will be considered throughout the review and be subject to consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
The government said expanding Heathrow will attract international investment and greatly boost Britain’s connectivity, with the third runway expected to be delivered by 2035.
“Heathrow is our only hub airport which supports trade, tourism and hundreds of thousands of jobs, underpinning prosperity not only in the South East but across the UK,” Alexander said.
“Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion.”
“This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth,” she said.
This follows after the government launched a review of the ANPS last month, assessing proposed schemes based on climate change, noise, air quality, and economic growth potential.
The government has made clear that any expansion at Heathrow must be financed entirely by the private sector and bring no cost to taxpayers, whilst also meeting rigorous and effective cost controls to deliver this significant infrastructure project as quickly as possible.
It now expects that HAL will apply for consent to develop a third runway based on its proposed scheme after the review of the ANPS is complete.
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