Heathrow Expansion – Have Your Say on the Future of the Airport
At the end of October, the UK government published the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), confirming Heathrow Airport as the chosen location for a new runway in the south-east of England. The preferred plan is to build a third runway to the northwest of the existing airport, along with associated terminal space and infrastructure.
The 138-page HENPS document notes two competing proposals for the third runway: one from Heathrow Airports Limited (HAL), the current airport operator, and another from Heathrow West Limited, a subsidiary of the Arora Group. The government currently favors HAL’s proposal.
As Heathrow expansion is classified as Critical National Growth Infrastructure, both HAL and Heathrow West Limited are preparing submissions for a Development Consent Order (DCO), expected by late 2027. The DCO process will provide more detailed plans and another opportunity for public comment.
Public Consultation Underway
HAL is conducting a public consultation to present its expansion proposals and gather feedback. Information and documents are available online by searching for ‘Heathrow expansion’, and a series of open events are being held at venues around the airport until 10 December. The HAL website also offers a feedback form for individuals and organisations to share their views.
Impact on Lower Sunbury
Lower Sunbury residents are somewhat shielded from the worst effects of Heathrow’s current operations, such as noise, pollution, and traffic, due to the village’s location away from main flight paths. However, the planned increase of flights and passengers by over 50% in the next 30 years is expected to affect the area through more overflying aircraft and increased demands on traffic, housing, and infrastructure.
The Lower Sunbury Residents’ Association (LOSRA) recognises that opinions on Heathrow expansion vary widely among locals—from those who oppose the airport’s presence entirely to those who support its growth. Despite this, the government’s position supports expansion with an additional runway.
The HAL consultation remains open until 22 December, providing a valuable chance for residents to express their views on how the expansion should proceed.
Alternative Proposal from Heathrow West Limited
LOSRA has also been invited to meet with Heathrow West Limited to learn about their competing proposal. This plan is smaller in scale than HAL’s and features a shorter new runway that does not require tunneling the M25 motorway beneath it. Proponents claim this approach is less costly and could be delivered sooner, though it would not support the same level of airport growth or operational flexibility.
It remains to be seen whether Heathrow West Limited’s proposal will secure private funding and advance to a DCO submission next year.
Residents of Lower Sunbury and surrounding areas are encouraged to review the proposals and participate in the consultation process to have their say on the future of Heathrow Airport.