The Back Heathrow campaign which represents over 100,000 residents that back Heathrow expansion has welcomed the launch of an eight-week public consultation by Heathrow Airport on its plans for future airspace and operations.
Back Heathrow has called on local communities to get engaged to help shape the airport’s expansion plans. The public consultation begins on January 8 and ends on March 4.
Back Heathrow executive director, Parmjit Dhanda said: “This is a landmark day for the airport and its expansion plans. Independent polling shows that the scheme has very strong support amongst local residents, but it is crucial that they are involved in shaping these plans.”
“Whether people support or oppose the project we want to see everyone engaged in this consultation in order to ensure commitments made to minimise noise and provide longer respite from flights at night are adhered to. We sense a real desire to get on with this in the local community, but also a desire to ensure it is done well.”
Heathrow expansion is one of the UK’s biggest ever infrastructure projects and will deliver 10,000 apprenticeships, an economic boost of £187bn to the UK economy and 180,000 new jobs. Back Heathrow wants local communities to be at the front of the queue when the economic benefits are realised.
Dhanda added: “Heathrow airspace has not been modernised since 1950 and there has been no new runways built in London or the south east of England since World War 2. Heathrow is our only hub airport and it is time to make it fit for the 21st century.”