Richmond Council rejects Heathrow expansion plans over resident harm
The council argues the Government’s tests for a third runway are too weak and favour expansion at residents’ expense
Incident → evidence → outcomeRichmond Council has formally rejected the Government’s plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, warning that expansion would harm residents in the borough. The council’s response to the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) argues that the proposed tests for approval are designed to favour expansion rather than properly assess its impact.
The Government’s draft policy, published in June, sets out four conditions the expansion must meet: contributing to economic growth, complying with climate obligations, meeting air quality standards and adhering to noise commitments. Ministers have claimed the project could deliver over £40 billion in benefits to the UK, including increased international investment and improved trade links.
Council disputes economic case for expansion
Richmond Council’s submission, agreed at a meeting on 12 August, challenges the Government’s assessment. The council argues that the economic case for expansion is overstated and that the policy statement does not fairly consider alternatives to a larger Heathrow. Jamie Fisher, Richmond’s head of policy and strategy, said the Government had not made a convincing argument for the third runway.
“The Government has not properly made the case for expansion at Heathrow. It also argues strongly that local communities, including Richmond, should not be exposed to the additional harm from expansion and that the questionable economic growth should not come at the expense of local residents.”
The council’s response highlights concerns over noise, air pollution and carbon emissions, which it says would worsen under the expansion plans. It also criticises the proposed mitigations, such as noise insulation and compensation, as insufficient. Richmond argues that the focus should be on avoiding harm to residents rather than attempting to reduce it after the fact.
Parliamentary vote expected before end of year
The consultation on the draft policy statement closes on 1 September. The Government will then decide whether to proceed with the plans before putting the HENPS to a vote in Parliament. If approved, Heathrow Airport Limited could submit a formal application for the third runway, with a decision expected in 2029.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously expressed reservations about Heathrow expansion, suggesting it diverts investment away from the North of England. However, the Government has not yet indicated whether it will amend the policy in response to concerns raised during the consultation.
Questions this report answers
01What is Richmond Council’s main objection to Heathrow expansion?
Richmond Council argues the Government’s tests for expansion are too weak and favour approval without properly assessing harm to residents. The council disputes the economic case and demands stronger protections against noise, air pollution and carbon emissions for local communities.
02When will Parliament vote on the Heathrow expansion plans?
A vote on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement is expected by the end of 2024. The Government will decide whether to proceed after the consultation closes on 1 September and further scrutiny is completed.
03What are the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion?
The draft policy statement requires expansion to contribute to economic growth, meet climate obligations, comply with air quality standards and adhere to noise commitments. Richmond Council argues these tests are too weakly defined and designed to favour approval.
04How much does the Government claim Heathrow expansion will benefit the UK?
The Government estimates the expansion could deliver over £40 billion in benefits, including increased international investment and improved trade links. Richmond Council disputes this figure, calling the assessment unbalanced and ignoring alternatives.
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