Up to three million people living near Heathrow Airport face substantial health risks if plans for a new third runway go ahead, according to an official report published by the Department for Transport. The study, compiled by consultants Aecom, warns that the expansion would bring "major adverse" health impacts on local residents due to worsening air and noise pollution.
The impact analysis, which details the effects of construction and operation on surrounding communities, highlights concerns over access to essential services like housing, education, healthcare, and green spaces. It also suggests that water quality could be compromised, community identity weakened, landscapes degraded, and climate change mitigation efforts hindered.
While acknowledging potential benefits in terms of employment, income, skills, and training, the report concludes that adverse effects are "considered likely" on environmental and social considerations. Measures can be taken to mitigate some impacts, but they cannot be fully offset, it states.
The government is pressing ahead with its airport expansion plans despite growing concerns over health risks. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced an accelerated consultation on a draft national policy statement supporting the third runway, saying it's a "positive step" towards realising benefits while addressing noise, air quality, climate change, and economic growth concerns.
The £33 billion scheme involves constructing a 3,500-metre runway, necessitating relocation of part of the M25 motorway and compulsory purchase of around 800 homes. If completed, it could enable Heathrow to handle up to 756,000 flights annually, serving over 150 million passengers.
Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, hailed the consultation as "progress", highlighting that the project is privately funded and has broad support. The policy statement will now face a parliamentary vote, following Labour's approval of expansion at other London airports like Stansted, Luton, and Gatwick.