Heathrow Airport proposed expansion

Sutton Council has responded to Heathrow Airport Limited's consultation on changes to existing airspace and future runway operations.

The proposed future expansion to a third runway, and proposals for increased flights to maximise use of the existing two runways, will mean potentially more air traffic flying over the borough, some of which may be at lower altitudes.

Sutton Council remains opposed to the proposed expansion of Heathrow due to the impact on neighbouring local boroughs, communities, surface access and the wider environmental footprint changes.

Residents in the north and west of the borough have already expressed concerns at what the proposals in the latest consultation  might mean for them.

A Sutton Council spokesman said: “We will continue to oppose expansion of Heathrow unless it can be shown that no new noise or air quality harm would result, and the benefits of future regulatory and technology improvements would be shared fairly with affected communities. Likewise, any increased aircraft numbers on existing runways, or aircraft overflying the borough at lower altitudes, has the potential to affect the quality of life of residents. We will continue to lobby for proposals which minimise the impact on local communities.

“Any such development must also demonstrate how the surface access networks will be invested in to accommodate the resultant additional demand alongside background growth.”

Sutton is roughly 9 miles to the south east of Heathrow Airport.

Sutton was not offered a public event or an opportunity to host consultation material for residents to examine, and so we ask that this be considered for the detailed flightpath consultations later this year and for future consultations.

It would also be helpful if more information about existing and potential future air traffic information, and resources such as noise demonstration videos, were made more available for the public to gain a greater understanding of what the changes might mean for them.

for the Council's full written response to Heathrow Airport Limited’s consultation click the link