Heathrow Expansion.pdf

The UK Government announced support for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow Airport on January 15, 2009. The decision was based on the Government's 2003 Aviation White Paper and followed a consultation that received approximately 70,000 responses. The expansion plans are supported by business but opposed by environmental groups, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, and the Mayor of London.

The transport policy background includes a brief history of Heathrow's expansion since World War II, with policy initiatives from both the Conservative and Labour Governments. Surface access issues at the airport are also a concern. Environmental issues include potential impacts on local air quality, climate change, and noise pollution. The Government has proposed measures to address these concerns, including participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

The planning process for the expansion will involve either the current planning system or the new procedure for major infrastructure approvals set out in the Planning Act 2008. The decision to support the expansion has been criticized for pre-empting the planning decision. Statistical projections indicate that the expansion will increase air passenger demand and carbon dioxide emissions, but the assumptions used to make these projections have been questioned.

Key points include:

The Government's support for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow Airport
Opposition from environmental groups, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, and the Mayor of London
Transport policy background, including a brief history of Heathrow's expansion
Environmental issues, including local air quality, climate change, and noise pollution
Planning process, including the possible use of the Planning Act 2008 procedure
Statistical projections, including assumptions about air passenger demand and carbon dioxide emissions.