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Heathrow decision delayed amidst pollution concerns

The decision to expand Heathrow Airport has been delayed due to ongoing concerns regarding how the new runway will impact air pollution.

A government sub-committee led by the Prime Minister was expected to approve the plans to build a third runway at the west London airport by the end of the year.

However, following backlash from MPs and local residents, the government is expected to say that the expansion will not be considered until the airport can demonstrate its ability to meet pollution targets.

In July, a review by the Airport’s Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, recommended expanding Heathrow over proposals from rival airport, Gatwick.

Rohan Silva, a former adviser to Mr Cameron, suggested on BBC One’s Andrew Marr show that the decision could be delayed until after London’s mayoral election. He said that the environmental concerns “give the government permission to delay the decision until after May 2016 when the London mayoral election has taken place”.

A Heathrow spokesman told The Times: “The Airports Commission made a unanimous and unambiguous recommendation in June for Heathrow expansion.

“Britain can be confident that our new plan will connect the whole nation to global growth while providing opportunities for the local community and making Heathrow the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .