Heathrow Airport's proposed third runway will face further scrutiny this week as residents prepare to give evidence to MPs about the expansion plans. The House of Commons Transport Committee will hear from local community groups on Tuesday, October 13, as part of its ongoing inquiry into the Government's plans for Heathrow.
The hearing will give representatives from areas surrounding the airport an opportunity to discuss the proposals and the potential impact on people living nearby.
Residents and groups due to give evidence
Among those due to speak are Christian Hughes, chairman of the Longford Residents Association, Deborah Petty from the Molesey Residents Association and Mike Fawcett from the Putney Society. Parmjit Dhanda, executive director of Back Heathrow, and Stewart Pomeroy from the Colne Valley Regional Park Trust are also scheduled to give evidence.
The session is expected to begin at 4pm, with representatives from the Climate Change Committee due to appear from 5pm.
Inquiry into the draft National Policy Statement
MPs are examining the Government's draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which would help determine whether a third runway could receive planning consent. The committee is looking at whether the proposed policy provides clear enough guidance for assessing the expansion, including the assumptions and requirements behind it.
Concerns about the impact of Heathrow's expansion on surrounding communities have already been raised during previous hearings. In September, Ian Thynne, representing the London Borough of Hillingdon, told MPs that more attention needed to be given to people living near the airport. He argued that communities could face new aircraft noise even in areas which have not previously experienced it.
Further evidence scheduled
The committee will continue hearing evidence on Wednesday, October 14, when representatives from Heathrow West Limited and Heathrow Airport Limited are due to appear. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye and chief development officer Helen Elsby are scheduled to give evidence from 10.15am.
The inquiry comes as the future of the proposed third runway remains under examination, with MPs considering the economic, environmental and community implications of expanding Britain's busiest airport. The Transport Committee's findings will form part of the wider parliamentary scrutiny of the Government's proposed policy.
