Council backs emergency motion on Heathrow

5.10.40pm GMT Fri 7th Dec 2007

An emergency motion on plans to expand Heathrow Airport won unanimous support at a full meeting of Richmond Council on 27 November.

Last week the Department for Transport unveiled for consultation proposals for a third runway and a new sixth terminal. Views are also being sought on plans to scrap runway alternation, meaning that existing runways will be used for both take-off and landings. The Council fears that many thousands of residents across much of London will suffer increased noise and other pollution as a result. The motion, agreed with full cross-party support, declared:

"Recognising the impact of noise, air pollution and carbon emissions, this Council deplores the Government's decision to announce its policy on the proposed expansion of Heathrow prior to any public consultation or credible assessment of environmental impact."

The Council pledged to work with the 2M group (an alliance of 12 local authorities in West London that have 2 million residents), and various other organisations and individuals to oppose any expansion, and to continue pressing for an end to night-flights.

Council Leader, Cllr Serge Lourie, said: "The perception we want to destroy is that there is an inevitability about airport expansion. There is not. That is why we will continue to challenge these plans very robustly and urge all residents to make their views known."

The Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Nicholas True, said: "In our view, a case for Heathrow expansion has not remotely been made. The plans announced last week pose a serious threat to our residents' quality of life. We can win this fight and it is vitally important that organisations like the 2M group, and all individual residents, stand together and make their voices heard."