The Government has today backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow by publishing the proposed Airports National Policy Statement (NPS). The NPS will now be debated and voted on by Parliament, before being formally designated.
Whilst this is a significant step for the proposed expansion, it is still a long way off being consented and constructed.
It will need to go through a substantive statutory consultation process, one of the largest ever seen in this country, following which an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) will need to be prepared, submitted and examined by an Examining Authority under the Planning Act 2008. Finally, the Examining Authority will make its recommendation to the Secretary of State on the plans for a final decision.
Whilst the Government has focused on the benefits to passengers and the wider economy, and a package of compensation and mitigation measures estimated to be worth £2.6 billion is being offered, Heathrow’s expansion will have significant impacts on thousands of affected people, local communities, and the environment. Those impacted will now seek to play an active role in the development of the proposals, from participating in consultation exercises right through to making representations in the planning process. Many will also pursue legal challenges whenever they can.
We are a leading practice in the aviation sector and are already acting for a number of organisations affected by the proposal for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. We provide our clients with strategic and tactical advice to help secure the necessary mitigation, compensation and protections affected parties will need in order to minimise the impacts of the proposed expansion on their property and businesses.
