Yesterday, the House of Commons voted by 415 votes to 119 to designate the airports National Policy Statement (NPS). This clears the way for Heathrow to begin the process of applying for planning permission for the construction of its third runway.
I voted in favour for local and national reasons. I support the expansion of Heathrow in principle, due to the economic benefits a third runway will bring – especially as Britain looks to forge a stronger global trading role. The new runway will create new international routes, more than 100,000 new jobs (three-quarters of which will be in London and the South East), doubled freight capacity and benefits of up to £74 billion to passengers and the wider economy over 60 years. The government has made clear this will be delivered at no cost to the taxpayer.
Equally, I appreciate local concerns in relation to noise levels, air quality and traffic, particularly in Molesey and Walton. Since 2015 I have held debates and met with both Heathrow and government officials and Ministers to discuss the local assurances we need.
Heathrow will now set out detailed plans showing how the airport would expand. These plans will have to include proposals for binding limits on air quality and noise, as well as monitoring regimes, and targets for reducing travel by car. On noise, a new independent noise watchdog (ICAAN) will help set the rules. Local communities must be consulted in advance, so all local residents can have their say.
Once finalised, Heathrow’s plans will then be examined by the Planning Inspectorate, with more opportunities for local engagement, before being submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport. If then approved, a Development Consent Order or ‘DCO’ will be issued, paving the way for expansion. Once agreed, the terms of the DCO will be legally enforceable, with compliance monitored by local councils in affected areas. This means that the noise and air quality limits and congestion targets will be enforceable in court. Sanctions if Heathrow breaches the DCO include fines, injunctions which can force the airport to remedy breaches of the DCO, and also criminal sanctions. So, there will be real enforcement teeth, to make sure Heathrow is properly held to account for the assurances it has given on noise, air quality, and congestion.