Campaigners dismayed by plans Third Runway at Heathrow Airport
Local countryside campaigners have expressed their “profound disappointment and dismay” over the Government’s support for a Third Runway at Heathrow Airport.
The Berkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) described Heathrow expansion as “environmentally unsustainable” and “a serious threat to many local communities”.
CPRE Berkshire spokesman Andy Smith said: “We are profoundly disappointed that the Chancellor of the Exchequer today (29 January) signalled her support for a Third Runway at Heathrow.
“Everyone who cares about nature and about people’s quality of life will be dismayed by this announcement, especially when this comes from a government that claims to be in favour of a cleaner, greener environment for all. Instead, what they are now proposing to do is to blow a gaping hole in their own climate change targets by expanding Heathrow Airport.”
CPRE Berkshire warns that local communities in Berkshire will be seriously affected by Heathrow expansion, and without any benefits to local communities. “Airport expansion is totally unsustainable,” says Andy Smith, “and increasing the flights to and from Heathrow will be a massive blight on local communities for decades to come. It will be devastating in terms of environmental impact, noise, air quality, and climate change.”
Mr Smith also argues that “there is no compelling economic case for airport expansion here in the South-East of England. There are already seven runways around London – at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton – and there is absolutely no reason to build yet more. All the expansion of Heathrow will achieve is a further serious depletion of our environment.”
He adds: “Far better to spread air travel around the UK’s various regional airports rather than concentrating everything in an already overcrowded and congested South-East.”
CPRE Berkshire works to protect, promote and enhance the countryside and green spaces of the Royal County. For more information on CPRE’s work please visit www.cpreberkshire.org.uk
