London Heathrow has published its masterplan for expansion which includes building a controversial third runway and new terminal facilities.
The plan published by Heathrow, which is owned by Ferrovial, Qatar Investment Authority and China Investment Corporation among others, shows growth in stages from the opening of the third runway in about 2026 to the end of the masterplan in about 2050.
It includes plans to mitigate the environmental impact of the expansion, including an ultra-low emissions zone, a vehicle access charge and a proposed 6.5-hour ban on scheduled night flights. Rivers will be diverted and a tunnel built to take vehicles on the busy M25 motorway under the new runway.
Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion, said: “This consultation is an opportunity for people to have their say on our preferred masterplan, so it’s really important that as many people as possible take part.”
However, the plan has been opposed by local politicians, environmental campaigners and the London mayor, who say increasing the number of flights at the hub from 473,000 in 2016 to a capacity of 740,000 will worsen air quality and increase noise pollution.
AECOM, planning experts who had a hand in developing Lauderale Airport's expansion programme in the US, has defended the plan for Heathrow's new terminal.
David Barwell, chief executive, UK & Ireland, AECOM, said: “It’s vitally important to the UK economy that the expansion of Heathrow Airport goes ahead, and the unveiling of their preferred masterplan is an important step forward in making this a reality. However, I also whole heartedly agree that the expansion must not come at any cost, I’m extremely pleased to see the importance the consultation places on working with local communities to grow sustainably and responsibly, with a strong emphasis on environmental considerations.
“As with many aviation projects, Heathrow’s preferred masterplan is an ambitious vision. But the concept of building the 3rd runway over the M25 is not a unique approach. For Fort Lauderdale Airport’s expansion programme in the United States, AECOM oversaw the extension and elevation of the runway to cross US Highway 1 and the Florida East Coast Railroad. All of which was done whilst minimising disruption to the travelling public. So whilst ambitious, it is not unrealistic.
“At AECOM we understand the value of connected expertise to solve the world’s most complex problems and our wide range of skilled colleagues including our global aviation team, can bring unique and unrivalled expertise to the Heathrow expansion programme. We now look forward to engaging more in the scheme and sharing our skills, capabilities and best practice to improve passenger experience, enhancing Heathrow’s position and contribution to the UK.
“Whilst independent to expansion plans, I would also like to urge both Heathrow and the Department for Transport to move forward on the decision surrounding the need for a Southern Rail Link so that it can be in place by the time Heathrow expands. Along with our partners at Heathrow Southern Railway we believe the link would not only tackle the underlying causes of road congestion and pollution but also make expansion more acceptable to neighbouring communities.
“I encourage those contributing to the consultation to embrace the proposal, providing constructive feedback where required, so that when the final proposal reaches the Transport Secretary development consent can be issued without delay.”