Richmond Council has fiercely condemned the government’s latest push to expand Heathrow Airport, slamming the move as reckless and damaging to local communities.
The council’s leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts, reiterated Richmond’s firm opposition to the construction of a third runway, branding it an unacceptable threat to residents and the environment.
“Richmond Council has been clear and consistent in its stance: a third runway at Heathrow would have catastrophic consequences for our borough and for London,” he says.
And he adds: “The environmental damage, increased noise pollution, and disruption to local communities are simply too high a price to pay, especially when viable alternatives exist that can support sustainable economic growth without compromising our health or our future.”
SHORT SIGHTED
Despite Heathrow’s economic importance, Roberts dismissed expansion as short-sighted and unsustainable.
He pointed out the airport’s failure to align its plans with the UK’s net-zero commitments, warning that additional flights would exacerbate the city’s air and noise pollution crisis.
He says: “The Chancellor’s decision to prioritise short-term economic growth over the long-term health of our communities and the environment is deeply disappointing.
“This move fails to consider our climate commitments and disregards the devastating impact a third runway would have on families and households in our borough and across London.”
JUST SAY NO
Richmond Council remains steadfast in its commitment to blocking Heathrow’s expansion. Councillor Roberts is reconvening a cross-party coalition of councils, MPs, and community groups to mount a renewed campaign against the project.
Roberts adds: “This coalition was instrumental in overturning the government’s approval of a third runway in 2020, and by uniting once again, we will continue to fight for the protection of our borough and the wider London community from the adverse effects of this expansion.”
