Heathrow expansion plan wins Commons vote
MPs last night voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Government's plans to expand Heathrow Airport, giving approval for the building of a controversial third runway.
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The vote in the Commons - carried by 415 MPs from across the political parties - means Heathrow can now submit an application for development consent for the project, with £14 billion private investment behind it.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling today formally designated the Airports NPS, paving the way for Heathrow to now submit a formal planning application.
It triggers the next step in a process that could see building work start in 2021 and the runway operational by 2026.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "This marks a critical step towards ensuring future generations have the international connections we need, as well as strengthening the links between all parts of the UK and our global hub.
"I have always been clear that this issue goes beyond party politics, and this result demonstrates the clear desire to get on with delivering this vital scheme.
"There is still much to be done, including defending this decision against the potential legal challenges, but we are absolutely committed to working closely with local communities and ensuring Heathrow stick to their promises on addressing the local and environmental impacts of expansion."
Heathrow CEO 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.”
The Secretary of State for Transport designating the final Airports National Policy Statement approved by Parliament, will now 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.
Responding to approval of the Airports National Policy Statement, Chief Executive of the AOA (Airport Operators Association), Karen Dee said: “A global Britain requires connectivity to both established and emerging markets right across the country and thus needs both world-class hub and point-to-point capacity. Parliament has recognised the importance of aviation connectivity and its approval of the Airports NPS for a north-west runway at Heathrow is an important step towards delivering that connectivity.
“It is now vital that the Government delivers an Aviation Strategy which sets out a clear and positive framework for aviation growth across the UK. Alongside the recently announced Government support for all airports in their efforts to make best use of their existing runways, an ambitious Strategy is urgently needed to ensure that all airports have the capacity and the surface transport links necessary to connect communities and businesses with domestic and international markets. Better connectivity will drive inward investment, develop new trading opportunities, bring tourists to the UK and create jobs and economic growth in all parts of the UK as a result.”
Chairman of the London Assembly, Tony Arbour AM, 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.”
The International Air Transport Association welcomed the UK House of Commons vote in favour of the National Policy Statement (NPS) on airports. Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, said: "After years of delay, the approval of the NPS is a momentous day for air travel not just in the UK, but for the global air transport network. This decision will create new jobs and new economic opportunities in the UK and strengthen ties to growing export markets. But these benefits will only be safeguarded if the expansion is delivered at a competitive cost.
"Passengers and airlines must not pay increased charges. And operational flexibility is essential, especially to continue to allow a small number of essential early morning flights. It would be a shame if, having waited so long for the fruits of expansion, the UK were to shoot itself in the foot by creating an overpriced, uncompetitive airport," said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe."