Back Heathrow, the campaign that represents over 100,00 local residents, has welcomed the launch of the airport’s biggest ever consultation which lays out the detailed plans for the proposed new runway project.

Back Heathrow executive director, Parmjit Dhanda, said: “This is a major milestone for the realisation of this critical infrastructure project. It will bring thousands of new jobs, apprenticeships for young people in local communities and boost the wider UK economy. It will also help the airport maintain its position as the UK’s only hub airport and largest port by value of its trade.

“However, it is vital that local people engage with the 12-week consultation. We know that more local residents support than oppose expansion in boroughs around Heathrow. It is time the silent majority have their say so the best expansion plan possible can be delivered when the airport submits its planning application next year.”

Heathrow is consulting on the future layout of the airport, including the new runway and road access; plans for how it will manage the environmental impacts – including a proposed ultra-low emission zone, a vehicle access charge and a ban on night flights and proposals for property compensation.

It is already obliged through government targets to mitigate air and noise pollution. Heathrow plans to carbon neutral by 2020.

Heathrow is on track to start building the new runway in 2021 and ready to open by 2026.