Hillingdon Council has strongly criticised the government’s decision to revive plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, vowing to challenge the expansion over concerns about noise pollution, air quality, and infrastructure strain.
The announcement comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed yesterday (29 January) that proposals for Heathrow’s expansion would be invited by the summer. Hillingdon Council warns that a third runway would have devastating consequences for local communities, worsening air pollution, increasing noise disturbances, and overburdening the ageing public transport system.
Council officials argue that the cost of services provided by the council to meet demand arising from the airport is already unfairly subsidised by Hillingdon residents and this would only worsen with a bigger airport.
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “It’s hugely disappointing to see this destructive proposal back on the table once again and we will work with similarly minded local authorities and the Mayor of London to oppose these plans.
“The government’s desperate pursuit of economic growth through a third runway will disproportionately benefit Heathrow’s owners and I am confident that we will be able to show that the proposed economic benefits to the country are a mirage.
“As a borough we have fought the spectre of these proposals for more than 25 years and we’ll continue fighting for as long as it takes to put our residents first.”
