Third runway at Heathrow ‘could be health hazard’
Heathrow should only get the go-ahead to build a third runway when a number of environmental conditions can be met, MPs have said.
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee said firm plans to deal with climate-changing emissions, air quality and noise must be put in place.
The Airports Commission has recommended that Heathrow is the best place to add an additional runway to cope with the southeast’s growing demand for more flights.
However, the environmental audit committee chair, Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies, said public health could be damaged if the environmental consequences of expanding Heathrow were ignored.
"If the government decides to accept the commission’s recommendation for a third runway in principle, we will seek assurances from the secretary of state for transport that environmental conditions will be met before it is given final approval," he said.
The cross-party committee also called for a ban on night flights at Heathrow to reduce the noise pollution for those living close to the airport.
The MPs said Heathrow must prove that it would be less noisy with three runways than it is with two.
The Government is due to announce later this month if it will allow a third runway at the west London airport.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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