Issue - meetings

Enabling works to allow implementation of full runway alternation during easterly operations at Heathrow Airport including the creation of a new 'hold area' at the western end of the northern runway, the construction of new access and exit taxiways, the construction of an acoustic noise barrier to the south of Longford Village and temporary construction compounds. 

The proposed development is subject to an Environment Impact Assessment (Notice under Article 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017). 

Recommendation: Approval 

RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to section 106, conditions as set out in the report and the information in the addendum.

Enabling works to allow implementation of full runway alternation during easterly operations at Heathrow Airport including the creation of a new 'hold area' at the western end of the northern runway, the construction of new access and exit taxiways, the construction of an acoustic noise barrier to the south of Longford Village and temporary construction compounds.

The proposed development is subject to an Environment Impact Assessment (Notice under Article 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017).

The Area Planning Service Manager and the Head of Environmental Specialists introduced the application which concerned an application at Heathrow Airport. It was noted that the application related to enabling works intended to implement full runway alternation during easterly operations. The proposals included the creation of a new holding area at the western end of the northern runway, construction of new access and exit taxiways, installation of an acoustic noise barrier south of Longford village, and establishment of temporary construction compounds. These works were subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Officers clarified that the application did not propose an increase in the air traffic movement cap set by the Terminal Five decision, nor did it enable airport expansion. The submission was standalone and unrelated to expansion proposals. Detailed plans and constraints maps were presented, highlighting conservation areas, listed buildings, and green belt land. Officers explained the operational context, including the historic Cranford Agreement, which had previously restricted departures over Cranford village. It was noted that the agreement had been formally ended to allow equitable noise distribution and predictable respite periods for affected communities.

The proposed easterly alternation mirrored westerly operations, introducing runway alternation to provide relief from noise. Planning history indicated that a similar application had been refused in 2013 but subsequently approved on appeal in 2017, with consent later lapsing. The current application sought to secure appropriate mitigation measures, including the noise barrier and rapid access taxiways. Due to the significant environmental effects, permitted development rights had been removed, necessitating a full assessment.

Members heard that an extended consultation process had been undertaken, involving 370 letters, public notices, advertisements in local and regional newspapers, and publication on the Council’s website. It was noted that the London Borough of Hounslow had objected, citing insufficient engagement and technical detail regarding mitigation measures. Officers clarified that these concerns had been addressed in the Committee report and Heathrow’s response, and recommended approval of the application with mitigation secured. Amendments to conditions and heads of terms were outlined, including sustainable water management and ultrafine particle considerations.

A petition had been received in objection to the application, and the lead petitioner was in attendance to address the Committee Members. Key points highlighted included:

·         It was stated that the officer’s recommendation was unsound because it relied on an incomplete environmental statement with key impacts either unassessed or assessed using flawed methodologies. Noise, vibration, and ultrafine particle impacts were identified as missing or uncertain, while mitigation measures were deferred, undefined, and ineffective. The proposed increase in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111