Heathrow third runway likely to harm health of millions, official report warns

A new official report warns that constructing a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport poses significant health risks to millions of nearby residents. The analysis for the Department for Transport highlights "major adverse" impacts on the local population's health and well-being.

The expansion could worsen noise and air quality, and negatively affect access to housing, education, healthcare, open spaces, and transportation. The report also notes potential harm to water quality, community identity, landscapes, and climate change mitigation efforts.

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Today’s consultation is a positive step towards realising the benefits of a third runway, by giving businesses, communities and the public the chance to help shape this key project at one of the world’s most successful hub airports.

While the report suggests construction could benefit jobs and income, it concludes that environmental and social "adverse effects are considered likely with regard to the other determinants." The impacts identified cannot be fully offset, though the findings are expected to inform mitigation measures.

This disclosure coincides with the government's accelerated consultation on a draft national policy statement backing the third runway. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated the consultation is a "positive step" to shape the project, emphasizing a commitment to address noise, air quality, climate change, and economic growth responsibly. MPs will vote on the policy, now specifically focused on Heathrow expansion.

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We are determined to move quickly and responsibly to set a framework for future expansion at Heathrow that will meet the needs of local people and the country on the key issues of noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth.