Heathrow expansion plans bring roars of protest

29 November 2007

Transport secretary, Ruth Kelly, has set herself on a collision course with local authorities and environmental campaigners over the expansion of London’s Heathrow Airport.

Mr Kelly has announced a three-month public consultation on building a third runway at Heathrow Airport, but will make clear the Government believes the gains to the economy will outweigh the environmental impact.

The announcement comes just days after prime minister Gordon Brown pledged to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. But, he said green policies did not have to come at the expense of the economy.

The issue will also impact on the Government’s place-shaping agenda, since any decision is likely to be imposed against the wishes of local communities.

John Stewart, chairman of pressure ClearSkies, which has fought the expansion of Heathrow, predicted a vicious battle ahead. ‘It will be the Newbury bypass of the skies,’ he said.

Leader of Richmond Upon Thames LBC, Cllr Serge Lourie, slammed the announcement as a waste of time. He told Surveyor: ‘We do not think there is any justification for expanding air travel at the current rate.’ Kelly said ‘any decision on expansion has to be compatible with meeting tough local environmental tests on noise and air quality’.

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Heathrow expansion plans bring roars of protest

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