A bombshell government-commissioned report has warned that millions of people living near Heathrow could suffer significant health and wellbeing impacts if a third runway is built. The Health Impact Assessment, prepared by consultants Aecom for the Department for Transport (DfT), found that up to three million people could be affected by the construction and operation of an expanded airport, with noise, air pollution, and pressure on local services among the biggest concerns.
Major Adverse Effects on Health
The assessment concluded that the scheme would likely have "major adverse" effects on the health of the population living closest to the airport. It stated that while expansion could boost employment, incomes, and training opportunities, many of the environmental and social consequences are likely to be harmful and potentially significant.
According to the report, construction and operation of a third runway could worsen access to housing, education, healthcare, transport, and open spaces for nearby communities. The assessment also identified likely adverse impacts on air quality, water quality, climate change mitigation, community identity and cohesion, and local landscapes and townscapes.
Mitigation Measures Limited
The report acknowledged that mitigation measures could reduce some of the effects but warned that not all impacts could be fully offset. A DfT spokesperson stressed that the health assessment examined a scenario in which a third runway was delivered without mitigation measures being implemented. The spokesperson said: "The health impact assessment describes what would happen if a third runway was built without any mitigations being put in place – mitigations we are actively working to implement."
Government Consultation Launched
The findings emerged as the Government launched a consultation on a new planning framework designed to pave the way for Heathrow's long-delayed third runway project. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the consultation as "a positive step towards realising the benefits of a third runway." She said: "We are determined to move quickly and responsibly to set a framework for future expansion at Heathrow that will meet the needs of local people and the country on the key issues of noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth."
Economic Benefits vs Local Concerns
The Government argues expansion would deliver major economic benefits. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, one of the scheme's strongest supporters, said an expanded Heathrow would support more than 60,000 local jobs and generate up to £42 billion in benefits for the UK economy. Speaking at a conference in London, she said: "Somebody had to bite the bullet. In the last 18 months, we've made more progress on Heathrow than the last government made in 14 years."
Heathrow is seeking permission to build a new 3,500-metre runway north-west of the existing airport. The £33 billion project would require part of the M25 to be diverted and around 800 homes to be compulsorily purchased and demolished. If completed, the airport would be able to handle up to 150 million passengers a year and operate as many as 756,000 flights annually.
Opposition Warns of 'Decade of Destruction'
However, opponents said the plans would come at a heavy cost for local communities. Paul McGuinness, chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, warned of a "decade of destruction" around the airport before any runway was completed. Celeste Hick, policy manager at the Aviation Environment Federation, accused ministers of pushing the plans forward too quickly and said communities living under flight paths would bear the consequences.
The consultation on the draft policy statement is now under way, with MPs expected to vote on whether to approve the framework before Heathrow can move to the next stage of the planning process.
