The government have approved plans to begin construction on a third runway at Heathrow, the new runway could involve planes starting flight from a “ramp” above the M25 motorway, the transport secretary told reports. These plans were originally proposed 6 years ago, which Prime Minister at the time David Cameron refused.
Chris Grayling stated this would make the third runway “quicker for flights and cheaper for development” rather than developing a tunnel for the M25 beneath the third runway, meaning less disruption would be caused for drivers due to construction. He went on to explain that many other airports around the world have developed runways for flights over motorways.
The third runway involves plans for “a very gentle hill up which the planed would take off from.”
The long-awaited backing for an additional runway at Heathrow has been criticized by cabinet ministers Boris Johnson and Justine Greening, leading to the resignation of Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith.
The choice will also be facing many challenges within the court system, including local council leader Lord True who stated he was “taking legal advice” when in contact with BBC Radio 4. As it could mean the demolition of many resident households.
The Conservative member felt Heathrow are “busting air quality legal limits” and that “40% of all noise pollution in Europe associated with airports”
He went on to say: "The fact that the government has already delayed action for a year results from our reminding them that they hadn't yet fulfilled things which they're required to do under the existing law."
Lord True concluded by revealing he would be in support of the campaign for Mr Goldsmith, who will be a contender of the Richmond Park by-election as an independent. Meanwhile the Conservative members are not forwarding a candidate to compete with him.
The airport could help increase tourism and mean more flights can be completed simultaneously although many are concerned with what a third runway will mean for residents in the nearby area and how it could have an impact on the M25. The runway is expected to be developed by 2025.