Heathrow Airport Ltd has reacted to the yes vote in the UK Parliament for the airport's £14bn expansion plans, including a third runway which should be operational by 2026.
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Parliament has ended 50 years of debate by deciding that Heathrow expansion will go ahead. This vote will see us deliver more jobs, create a lasting legacy of skills for future generations and guarantee expansion is delivered responsibly. We are grateful that MPs have made the right choice for Britain and today we start work to create the best connected hub airport in the world.”
Over the coming days, the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, is expected to designate the final Airports National Policy Statement approved by Parliament. This will set the policy framework for Heathrow’s northwest runway development consent application.
Heathrow is currently preparing to hold a second public consultation on its plans before submitting a development consent order application to the Planning Inspectorate, kick-starting an approval process expected to take 18 months.
In addition to Heathrow’s consultation, the development consent process will provide further opportunities for residents and stakeholders to influence Heathrow’s proposal. If Heathrow is granted development consent, construction would begin in 2021 ahead of the new runway opening in 2026.
However, the London Assembly of local representatives in the capital city voiced its strong opposition to the vote by MPs, 415 to 119 in favour of Heathrow expansion.
Chairman of the London Assembly, Tony Arbour, said: “The London Assembly unanimously opposes the expansion of Heathrow airport on the grounds of air pollution, noise and the health impact it will have on Londoners.
“Together with the Mayor we shall seek to overturn this calamitous decision, which can only increase the environmental harm that the airport already creates.”
