SOURCE: BBC
DATE: June 18, 2019
SNIP: Heathrow Airport will construct a third runway by 2026 and complete its expansion by 2050, according to its “masterplan” published on Tuesday.
The plan includes diverting rivers, moving roads and rerouting the M25 through a tunnel under the new runway.
Heathrow’s expansion has faced fierce opposition, but the airport says it has engaged with local communities and other stakeholders.
The proposals are now open to public consultation until 13 September.
The masterplan is illustrated in a visualisation from the architects, showing the M25 running in a tunnel underneath the new runway.
It proposes a staggered approach with the new runway to be built in the first phase by 2026, with the rest of the airport infrastructure – including new terminals and access – to be complete by around 2050.
“Heathrow’s plans are laughable,” said Robert Barnstone, campaign co-ordinator of Stop Heathrow Expansion.
“Not only does it want to disrupt people’s lives for up to 30 years whilst building this new runway, but now proposes jumbo-size car parks whilst pledging to reduce the number of people using cars at the airport.”
Another group, Hacan, echoed those sentiments. “What hits you is the scale of these proposals,” said John Stewart, who chairs the group.
“The impact on local people could be severe for many years to come. Disruption from construction; the demolition of homes; the reality of more than 700 extra planes a day.”