Runnymede Council drops its support for Heathrow 3rd runway
At a meeting on Thursday 22nd January, Runnymede Borough Council voted against their previous pro-Heathrow expansion stance. Runnymede has became the first council to change from a position of supporting a new runway at Heathrow. A packed public gallery burst into applause when the council’s Corporate Management Committee voted by six votes to three to change the policy. Many of the residents were from areas that had seen an increase in flight numbers during the recent trials by Heathrow. The Committee argued that the environmental downsides outweighed any economic benefits that Runnymede might get from expansion. Unfortunately the council voted instead to back a 2nd runway at Gatwick. The way the Airports Commission process has been conducted, the impression has been given that there will be a runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick. In reality, it is still very much whether there will be any new runway – so not a binary choice. The vote by Runnymede leaves only two councils, Slough and Spelthorne, as fully behind a Heathrow 3rd runway. The Council meeting and the vote came about due to pressure from local groups, such as Englefield Green and Windsor.
Runnymede Council drops its support for Heathrow expansion
22.1.2015 (HACAN)
Last night Runnymede Council dropped its support for Heathrow expansion. It became the first council to change from a position of supporting a new runway at Heathrow to backing a second runway at Gatwick. A packed public gallery burst into applause when the council’s Corporate Management Committee voted by six votes to three to change the policy. Many of the residents were from areas that had seen an increase in flight numbers during the recent trials by Heathrow. The Committee argued that the environmental downsides outweighed any economic benefits that Runnymede might get from expansion.
John Stewart, chair of the campaign group HACAN, which had sent councillors a detailed briefing before the meeting, said, “This is a blow to Heathrow Airport. It leaves only two councils, Slough and Spelthorne, as fully behind expansion.”
ENDS
Runnymede backing of Heathrow runway in 2008
At a meeting on Thursday 22nd January 2015 evening, Runnymede Borough Council discussed their pro-Heathrow expansion stance.
They voted to change it. The Council meeting and the vote have come about as a result of pressure from local groups, such as the groups from Englefield Green and Windsor. The matter is of great concern to thousands of local residents, and there was a good public attendance at the meeting.
.
Then later:
After voting against Heathrow runway, Runnymede councillor puts new motion to reverse decision
On 22nd January, Runnymede Borough Council voted against a Heathrow 3rd runway. They have previously been supportive. However, Councillor Furey (also a Surrey County Councillor) has put down a motion for discussion at a Council meeting on 5th March, to reverse that position. The motion states: “This Council reconsiders the current policy to support Gatwick Airport expansion at the expense of Heathrow. I call on Members to consider the economic and social benefits that could be derived from a third runway and the harmful impact of undermining Heathrow’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub. Members are asked to support reconsideration of the recent policy change and restore support for Heathrow expansion, subject to suitable noise, transport and infrastructural mitigation.” Local campaigners are dismayed by this attempt to reverse the runway decision, after such a short time. They do not believe the somewhat nebulous claims of ‘social and economic’ benefits of Heathrow expansion. No local councillor has been able to adequately quantify or qualify what exactly these benefits are for local residents. Residents of Runnymede are urged to attend the Council meeting on 5th March at 7.30pm at the Civic Centre, Addlestone.
Click here to view full story…