Construction on Heathrow’s third runway could start in the early 2030s after the government pushed through “the fastest ever review of a national policy statement”.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a public consultation on the framework for future decisions on Heathrow’s third runway prior to a final planning decision in 2029.
The consultation proposes that any scheme must have a clear strategy to create jobs and realise the economic benefits of expansion, be compatible with the UK’s legally binding climate targets, not breach legal air quality limits, and ensure noise emissions do not worsen for local residents. Planning proposals from developers looking to build the third runway will be assessed against these criteria.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave the initial go-ahead on the controversial project soon after Labour entered office in the summer of 2024. But last year, MPs on the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee warned that the raft of airport expansion plans pushed...