Plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport have gained formal backing from the government after decades of debate.
The scheme will involve £2.6bn for residents in compensation, noise abatement measures and community amenities, which could include improvements to parks and leisure facilities.
These will be supported by plans for a 6.5-hour scheduled night flight ban and legally enforceable noise restrictions.
Parliament will debate and vote on the proposals in the next few weeks.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “Expansion at Heathrow presents a unique opportunity to deliver a multi-billion pound boost to our economy, strengthen our global links and maintain our position as a world leader in aviation.
“As we leave the EU, the UK must remain one of the world’s best-connected and outward-looking countries and a third runway at Heathrow is the best option to deliver this.
“We have listened to views through our consultations and will ensure a world-class package of measures to help any local communities affected by the expansion.”
Read more about the third runway:
Is Heathrow expansion right for London?
Wide benefits of Heathrow boon
Heathrow third runway consultation reopened after new evidence
SEGRO stalls Heathrow development over airport uncertainty
Reaction from the industry
David Sleath, chief executive, SEGRO
“We have long argued that for Britain to succeed in the global economy, we need new hub capacity, and that means expanding Heathrow. We now urge Parliament to continue this positive momentum and bring an end to indecision.
“Access to new and emerging markets is fundamental to ensuring the UK’s place on the world stage and failure to expand Heathrow will leave the UK behind its international and European competitors.”
Surinder Arora, chairman and founder, Arora Group
“While Mr Grayling’s comments indicated that HAL is ‘currently the only credible promoter’ of the expansion project ‘in entirety’, we are pleased to see the Airports NPS specifically avoids identifying any statutory undertaker as the appropriate person/s to carry out the preferred scheme, and in particular that the NPS reiterates the option for different components (such as the terminal) to be dealt with by different parties.
“As such, the Arora Group remains committed to the expansion of Heathrow and will engage constructively with all relevant bodies to support the delivery of an expanded, world-class hub airport.”
Al Watson, head of planning and environment, Taylor Wessing
“Today’s announcement from the government reminds us that having a policy that says ‘yes’ to a third runway does not build anything at all. Not one block of hardstanding gets laid. Previous policy support, right back to 2003, has come and gone, and no concrete has magically appeared.
“Rather, this is the start of another marathon lap for both the aviation industry and the local communities. The planning system is designed to intensely scrutinise the suggested benefits and impacts of such projects. The proposed third runway has both of those in abundance; lots of local, regional and national economic benefits, and also very many issues that cause grave concern for people’s health.
“Even if the government gets a yes vote in the Commons before the summer break, the next lap of this heated and gruelling battle is already set for the High Court come the autumn. On top of that? The airport and airlines won’t agree on a budget, and the surrounding communities won’t give up the opposition fight.”
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