Hounslow Council Maintains Its 'Better Not Bigger' Position On Heathrow
Urges locals to have their say in latest consultation
CGI images of new runway airport buildings
Hounslow Council's position that Heathrow should aim to be 'better and not bigger' remains the same, while it nevertheless wants a better and more successful airport, the Council said this Tuesday (18 June) as the latest consultation into a third runway was launched.
There are four public consultation events in the borough throughout the consultation period, which runs from now until 13 September. However this may raise some concerns, as they are in late July or August, when many people will be on holidays, see dates below.
Responding to news of the latest consultation, the Council has reiterated points it has made in previous consultations.
"Whilst the Council has been opposed to a bigger Heathrow whether that is a result of an additional runway, relaxation of runway operations or night flights, we nonetheless want a better and more successful Heathrow."
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) launched its third consultation today (18 June 2019) outlining its proposals to expand Heathrow Airport, which involves building a new runway, changing how the airport operates and managing the airport’s growth.
It is Hounslow’s view that Heathrow should concentrate on improving its efficiency within its current format, without the addition of a third runway which would likely have a significant adverse impact on local communities.
In the event of expansion plans proceeding, Hounslow Council will actively push for the very best outcomes for Hounslow;
• We will continue to push for the very best noise protection and
pollution control measures for our residents and our schools.
• We believe that the benefits of living beside Heathrow need to
be greater for the whole community and not just for those who catch flights
or whose jobs are directly or indirectly linked to the airport.
• Considerable efforts must be made to address the direct negative
effects of airport operations on our communities, particularly in relation
to noise, air quality, congestion on the transport network and loss or
damage to our greenspaces and biodiversity.
However, Hounslow Council also recognises the significant local and national
benefits of Heathrow Airport economically. For this reason, we are working
to build a better working relationship with the operators and owners of
Heathrow and other stakeholders:
• We want to maximise the benefits that the airport should be bringing
to the borough as well as ensuring that we secure the most suitable and
practical mitigation and compensation that addresses all the negative
impacts.
• Through the West of Borough Local Plan review process, we have
been working together with the airport operator to secure local employment
and to shape the local area around Heathrow as a better place to live,
work and visit.
• This will ensure that any future airport expansion (out of the
council’s control) and any airport-related development, facilities
and infrastructure are the most suitable.
• This will need to be well-coordinated to minimise disruption and
maximise community benefit with mitigation and compensation packages that
address all the negative impacts.
Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council said, “As one of the boroughs most impacted by Heathrow Airport, it is important that all residents and stakeholders have their say on the proposed expansion plans for Heathrow Airport.
“While we are committed to securing the very best deal for Hounslow, as a local authority, our powers to veto expansion are very limited. We will continue to campaign for better, not bigger Heathrow and will focus our efforts on ensuring that we get the very best deal for our residents, in terms of mitigation against the adverse effects and ensuring that our communities are compensated for the negative impacts that the expansion will have.
“Our local economy is heavily reliant on Heathrow which is why we want it to be as successful as possible, but we must not be blind sighted to the adverse effects of expansion. Make sure you have your say so that expansion can be guided by the communities most affected."
The consultation which opened today (Tuesday 18 June), will be open until 13 September 2019. Four separate consultation events have been organised by Heathrow. Residents and stakeholders are invited to come along to any events to speak to the members of Heathrow's team and find out more about the consultation. You can pick up copies of the consultation documents, watch videos and animations, view a model of the expanded airport and listen to sound demonstrations.
The following public consultation events will be held within the London
Borough of Hounslow:
• Feltham: Saturday 27 July, 10am to 4pm
Feltham Assembly Hall, Feltham Park, Hounslow Road, Feltham TW14 9DN
• Hounslow: Friday 2 August, 10am to 4pm
Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 3EB
• Brentford: Wednesday 7 August, 2pm to 8pm
Holiday Inn Brentford Lock, Commerce Road, Brentford TW8 8GA
• Chiswick: Friday 23 August, 2pm to 8pm
Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Turnham Green, London W4 4JN
For more information on the Heathrow Expansion Consultation and to complete it online visit: www.heathrowconsultation.com
Paper copies of the consultation are available for viewing at Hounslow
Library, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, TW3 3EB
June 19, 2019