STORY
The Government has launched a consultation on the framework for future decisions on a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Ministers said the consultation was intended to support a final planning decision in 2029 and would test proposals against noise, air quality, climate and economic growth requirements.
The Department for Transport said Heathrow handled a record 84 million passengers last year and argued that additional capacity would support jobs across the UK. The Government said the expansion process must demonstrate that environmental and community concerns can be addressed before any final decision is taken.
The issue has long divided political parties, environmental groups, business organisations and local communities. The launch of the consultation moves the third runway proposal into another stage of the planning process, although any final decision remains several years away.