Gatwick Airport has pledged to continue its fight for a new runway following Government’s announcement yesterday that it supports expansion of Heathrow.

 

Aviation commentators have also said that Gatwick and other regional airports need to be allowed to increase capacity, to meet the growing demand for international travel.

 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s announcement that a third runway is to be built at Heathrow was said to be the right choice by many business groups. But serious concerns were again raised that the decision will be an environmental disaster.

 

Gatwick Airport’s chief executive Stewart Wingate said he is disappointed by the Government’s decision and looks forward to studying the full reasons for the decision in detail.

 

The airport later said: “Our continued growth shows that it is only a matter of time before we need a second runway. We will continue to make our case for a new runway and will stand ready to deliver should the Government request it.”

 

Those welcoming the decision to expand Heathrow include consultant WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff’s UK head of aviation Jason Brooks. “This is a landmark moment for UK aviation that we are rightly celebrating and provides a big boost to the construction industry.

 

“However, this should be seen as just the first step to increasing airport capacity in the South East,” he added. “The strategic importance and growth potential of Gatwick remains critical. We also need a new runway there too in due course for the UK to be able to maintain its position as a leading global aviation player and economic powerhouse.”

 

Accountancy firm EY’s head of infrastructure advisory Amanda Clack said: “Although long overdue, the decision strengthens Heathrow’s place as an international hub for air travel and ensures that London will remain a gateway to Europe and the rest of the world.

 

“However in the longer term the UK will need even more capacity. The parallel expansion of Gatwick and other key regional airports should not be ruled out if the UK is to maintain its attractiveness in the eyes of international travellers.”

 

Newcastle University Business School’s senior lecturer Dr Volodymyr Bilotkach said that the decision to back Heathrow is a positive step towards boosting the UK’s economic growth. But he also added that one new runway is not enough and that both major airports need expansion.

 

“Both Heathrow and Gatwick are the world's busiest airports currently operating at capacity. If growth in air travel demand is to continue as projected we will come to the situation where airport capacity shortage will impede Britain’s economic development, particularly in the South East.”

 

Transport Select Committee chair Louise Ellman commented that the decision to expand Heathrow is is right one and will boost business, create training opportunities and new jobs and open the UK to new markets.

 

But she added: "We have had to wait a long time for this. We recognise it won't be an easy journey and the Government faces significant challenges. Guarantees will need to be met on noise and pollution. We urge the Government to have the courage of their convictions and press ahead so that the timetable to deliver the additional capacity by 2030 can be delivered."

 

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association welcomed the news that Heathrow will expand and hoped that the final decision, to be made by MPs next year, will be swift. “Any further delay is unacceptable to the public and UK PLC,” said its head of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming.

 

The Confederation of British Industry president Paul Drechsler described the decision to build a new runway at Heathrow as “really fantastic news”. But he warned: “With contracts to tender for, apprentices to recruit and supply chains to build this decision must be taken forward swiftly, giving businesses the confidence to invest.

 

“Our aviation capacity is set to run out as early as 2025, so it’s crucial we get spades in the ground as soon as possible to reap the benefits for jobs and growth, precisely when the country needs them most.”

 

Aecom’s chief executive for civil infrastructure in Europe Richard Robinson welcomed the Government’s announcement and said the focus now must be on accelerating delivery. “Quickly securing the right legal mandate via the necessary environmental and planning approvals is vital,” he said.

 

Law firm Coffin Mew’s head of transport and logistics Nick Gross said that Government can expect a large influx of legal challenges if Parliament approves the expansion of Heathrow. First and foremost, he says, legal objection will come on the grounds of compliance with the Air Quality Directive and the Government’s own targets regarding CO2 emissions and climate change.

 

The second major objection will be noise. “Even with noise restrictions in place those who live on affected flight paths or near the new runway site are likely to mount legal cases against the planned expansion.”

 

Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Stephen Joseph commented: “We are extremely disappointed that the Government has decided to press ahead with a new runway at Heathrow, despite the mounting evidence that it will be hugely costly and massively environmentally damaging.”

 

He added that taxpayers also face a huge cost in providing additional surface access to Heathrow. “Transport for London’s own research shows is likely to be at least £17Bn and will siphon off money from other schemes to tackle London’s already overcrowded transport network.”

 

Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald welcomed the fact that a decision has been taken on airport expansion, but warned that Government’s announcement is not the end of the process; merely the latest step. He called for reassurances on a commitment to tackle climate change and for noise and air quality improvements. “The Government’s proposals on Heathrow have highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive transport and infrastructure strategy, which is sadly lacking,” he added.

 

Solicitors jointly appointed by Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth, Windsor & Maidenhead councils and Greenpeace UK are now examining the Government’s aviation announcement in detail and a legal strategy will be developed over the coming days.

 

The campaigners have been preparing for a potential judicial review for the last eight months on the grounds of unlawful impact to surrounding communities.

 

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said Government’s backing of Heathrow is “wrong on every level, legally undeliverable and will end in failure after years of wasted of effort.

 

“This is deeply distressing news for the communities around this airport but this fight is far from over. Ultimately it will be for the courts to decide if this project goes ahead and the law is on our side.”

 

In the New Year the Government will introduce a national policy statement that includes detail about the scheme on which MPs will vote. Only then will Heathrow be able to bring forward a planning application for the building of a third runway. 

 

(Photo: Heathrow Airports Limited)