A group of 23 councils is applying for a High Court judicial review into the decision to allow the building of a third runway at London’s Heatrhrow Airport.
The 2M group is expected to announce tomorrow that it is launching the legal appeal on grounds that the consultation process was not lawful.
The councils will say transport minister, Geoff Hoon, gave his decision on a potentially half-capacity third runway, not the fully-operational runway in the consultation. The group believes the Government has consistently overplayed the economic benefits of aviation, and failed to measure the full environmental costs.
Speaking on behalf of 2M, Hillingdon council leader, Ray Puddifoot, said: ‘The number of organisations backing this challenge is unprecedented. ‘It shows that just about everyone other than Hoon thinks the Government has got this wrong.
‘For the local authorities, the real concern is that the Government has not proved that a third runway can be operated without breaching air pollution limits, making noise worse, or creating intolerable congestion on local roads and public transport.’ The councils will be joined by residents and environmental action groups.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
