Supporter Newsletter, April 2022
Read the interactive version here: https://mailchi.mp/c69ec1fa8dcc/another-decade-cannot-be-lost-trying-to-build-a-third-runway?e=5b11c167a4
Newsletter, Easter 2022
Another decade cannot be lost trying to build a third runway
Since we last wrote to you, we have been continuing our work to bring about the end to the threat of Heathrow expansion at the earliest opportunity.
Like many of you, we are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending threat of expansion hanging over us. We need the kind of certainty that can be brought about by cancellation of this project, based on the airport’s precarious financial position, not to mention their inability to meet much stricter environmental legislation than when the plan was voted on by MPs in 2018.
Another decade cannot be lost trying to build a third runway when the reality is that it is even less likely than ever before to take off.
IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE GOOSE, IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE GANDER
The expansion at Luton Airport for 19 million additional passengers per annum, previously approved by Luton Borough Council, has been ‘called-in’ by the Government who will hold its own inquiry. It holds the power to do so where local planning decisions hold clear or potential conflicts with national policy. The Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities state that the decision to hold an inquiry is based on “the extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for meeting the challenges of climate change, flooding and coastal change” and “conserving and enhancing the natural environment”.
After recent airport chaos and the Government's decision to call in Luton expansion on climate grounds, it is clear that Heathrow expansion should not be allowed to take off. See the front page stories in this week's west London newspapers!
Heathrow’s expansion plans would, according to the Department for Transport, cater for around 50 million additional passengers per year by 2040, in the form of around 260,000 flights in addition to the current cap of 480,000 per annum.
We believe that if it’s thought necessary to call in Luton’s expansion plans on the basis of Government policy, it’s imperative for the Government to immediately revisit the Airports National Policy Statement on Heathrow Expansion. This plan would see 50 million additional passengers and was approved by Parliament before more stringent environmental legislation became law. Here's a letter from our campaign which appeared in a number of titles across London and the Thames Valley this week.
AIRPORTS NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT REVIEW AND JET ZERO
The Government have indicated that it will review the Airports National Policy Statement on Heathrow when the Jet Zero Strategy is published. We will be working with politicians throughout the year to ensure that the threat of Heathrow expansion can be ended at the earliest opportunity. Residents deserve it.
The final Jet Zero Strategy has been subject to delays due to the need for a further, technical consultation which closes on 25 April, based on an even more optimistic take-up of “Sustainable” Aviation Fuels.
HEATHROW ENIVRONMENT PLAN DISAPPOINTING
Recently we dismissed the newly published sustainability plan by Heathrow, arguing it does not deliver for communities around the airport. Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet fails to offer fresh proposals to benefit communities and is heavily reliant on actions of others to deliver any of its objectives.
CHAMELEON HEATHROW
Just as a chameleon changes its colours to suit its circumstances, Heathrow claims each time that there is a change in the wider political agenda that it strengthens their case for a third runway. The reality it is now harder than ever to deliver. Click to read why in our latest blog.
HEATHROW TO POWER PLANES USING ANIMAL WASTE
Our April Fool’s effort this year saw us announce that Heathrow would power planes using a 3rd runway with fuels derived from animal waste. We said that this would be even lower carbon and better for the planet than Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Although we found that research is being carried out into the potential for animal waste, including effluent from UK pig farming, to be made into alternative jet fuels. This could make the phrase “pigs might fly” true!
LOCAL EVENTS
From last Sunday (10 April) and then on every second and fourth Sunday until October, the historic Great Barn in Harmondsworth will open its doors to the public. The open days are staffed by volunteers who live locally. Check out their new Twitter page for the latest updates and interesting information about the history of the Barn.
The Cranford Park Friends have also updated their social media presence on Twitter. Major works funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund on this award-winning green space on the Hillingdon/Hounslow border will start in early May. During the works the park will be closed to vehicles but access for pedestrians will continue.
You could say the rest of this month is the last chance to see the central courtyard area of the park as it is now.
Many thanks for reading our Newsletter.
Happy Easter from the Stop Heathrow Expansion Committee.