Heathrow Airport plans to get residents’ views on preferred option for a 3rd runway attacked by campaign group
Heathrow Airport has intimated to the FT that it plans to consult residents on which of the two options, chosen by the Airports Commission, they prefer for a 3rd runway. This has been condemned by campaign group HACAN as like being asked ‘whether you prefer being murdered by Jack the Ripper or the Boston Strangler.’ Heathrow was probably surprised to find one option proposed by the Commission was by Heathrow Hub. They are not keen on this option. The aim of a consultation will be to get backing for their own scheme, for a northern runway. It will hinge on the noise issue. The extent of respite from aircraft noise will be a critical aspect of any runway proposals.. If there is a 3rd, northern, runway it could mean those living under the existing two runway flight paths would only get a shorter respite period per day, and a whole linear expanse of London would then start to be affected by aircraft noise. For a 3rd northern runway to be profitable, it will have to be used intensively. The reduction in respite periods, perhaps of only one third of a day, rather than half the day (from 3pm as at present) will be deeply unpopular. Even less popular would be the lack of respite at all with the Heathrow Hub northern runway. See Hacan’s comment on the two options.
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Heathrow Airport plans to get residents’ views on preferred option for a 3rd runway attacked by campaign group
3.1.2014 (HACAN)
Heathrow Airport’s plans to consult residents on which option they prefer for a third runway had been condemned by campaign group HACAN as like being asked ‘whether you prefer being murdered by Jack the Ripper or the Boston Strangler.’
Heathrow has announced [FT link ] that it will shortly ask people’s views on the Heathrow Hub proposal which has been put forward by an independent company fronted by the former Concorde pilot Jock Lowe. The plan, which is one of two being considered by the Airports Commission for future expansion of Heathrow, involves extending the existing northern runway to allow arrivals and departures to use it simultaneously. It would mean all-day flying for people under the flight path, many of whom currently get a half day’s break from the noise when aircraft landing at the airport switch runways at 3pm.
The other proposal being considered by the Commission is the one put forward by Heathrow Airport itself which is for a new runway to the north of the existing northern runway. It would enable respite periods for those living under the flight paths of the existing two runways to continue but would involve putting in place a new flight path which would bring noise to some communities, around a mile north of the existing northern flight path, for the first time.
Heathrow Airport will be asking people which option they prefer.
HACAN chair John Stewart said, “Heathrow Airport has never liked the Heathrow Hub option and I suspect this is a way of putting pressure on the Airports Commission for it to be ruled out. But for residents it is like being asked to choose whether you preferred being murdered by Jack the Ripper or the Boston Strangler.’
The Airports Commission, which is also looking at a second runway at Gatwick, is not due to publish its final report until summer 2015 but will consult further on the options this year.
January 2, 2014 FT article
Heathrow to examine alternative plan to third runway
By Andrew Parker
Heathrow is to investigate whether its proposal for a third runway has stronger local community support than an alternative plan by a former Concorde pilot to increase the number of flights at the UK’s largest airport.
Heathrow Airport Holdings is expected to launch a public consultation with local communities soon that could play an important role in determining whether it sticks to its proposal or swings behind a plan by former pilot Jock Lowe to extend the airport’s northern runway.
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…. Sir Howard Davies said …Heathrow Hub’s “imaginative” plan merited additional examination, and the commission wants more investigation of respite issues ahead of its final report.
Mr Lowe said Heathrow Hub’s proposal offered “quite a lot” of respite, adding it would also reduce the number of residents affected by night flights because aircraft could land on the western end of the extended northern runway.
He said at some point Heathrow Hub and Heathrow Airport Holdings had to “work together”, adding nothing could happen at the airport without the owner’s backing.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4ec78b98-7304-11e3-8e87-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=uk#axzz2pI0CfC55
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