Ealing to Seek Compensation Package After Third Runway Approved

Opponents claim legal challenges will make decision an electoral liability

Anti-airport expansion campaigners outside Westminster

Ealing Council's Leader is to demand a compensation package for residents following the announcement that the third runway at Heathrow has been given the go ahead. It is to be the first full length runway built in the south-east since the second world war.

The government's claiming that the new runway at Heathrow will bring economic benefits worth up to £61 billion. They say as many as 77,000 additional local jobs will be created over the next 14 years and the airport has committed to create 5,000 new apprenticeships over the same period.

Julian Bell said, “When you already live next door to a notoriously loud party house the last thing you want to see is a van delivering gigantic speakers. 

“While we welcome the jobs and economic benefits of Heathrow, a third runway will inevitably cause more noise, pollution and traffic that will damage the quality of life of local people.

 “This news will cause serious anxiety for my residents which is why I am demanding a  £150 million package of measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of a third runway and compensate those affected if the government is determined to press ahead with this. 

“Straight talking and tough negotiating is what is needed if this goes ahead and I will continue to demand Heathrow Airport provides the best compensation deal for the people of Ealing.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said, "A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.

"This is an important issue for the whole country. That is why the government’s preferred scheme will be subject to full and fair public consultation. Of course it is also hugely important for those living near the airport. That is why we have made clear that expansion will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of a world class package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6 billion, including community support, insulation, and respite from noise – balancing the benefits and the impacts of expansion."

The government will propose that a six-and-a-half hour ban on scheduled night flights will be introduced for the first time at Heathrow and they say this will make more stringent night noise restrictions a requirement of expansion. The timing of this ban will be determined through consultation.

Furthermore, the government proposes new legally binding noise targets, encouraging the use of quieter planes, and a more predictable timetable of respite for those living under the final flight path. The airport has also pledged to provide over £700 million for noise insulation for residential properties.

A Heathrow spokesperson said, “We welcome the news that Heathrow is Government’s preferred site for a new runway and look forward to hearing the full details later from the Transport Secretary.

“Expansion of Heathrow is the only option that will connect all of the UK to global growth, helping to build a stronger and fairer economy.

Plane landing at Heathrow. Picture: Ian Wylie

Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma has also welcomed the news and said, '' I’ve changed my mind on Heathrow expansion for the simple reason that Heathrow have engaged, listened and changed their plans. Now that Heathrow has accepted the Airports Commission conditions, West London can say ‘yes’ to the jobs, apprenticeships and investment that expansion will bring. Heathrow is the backbone of the West London economy and now that there is appropriate mitigation and compensation in place for local communities, I’m pleased that the Government have made the right decision.''

Cllr Gregory Stafford, Opposition Leader said,“Ealing Conservative Group has supported for years, the thousands of our residents who are against a third runway at Heathrow Airport, and will continue to do.  This is in marked contrast to Ealing Labour, who clearly don't have the stomach for the fight.

''Local residents won’t be fooled by warm words about compensation and the Labour Administration should instead be joining the legal fight with other local authorities.  The time has come for Ealing Labour to show true leadership on this issue, instead of surrendering now that the battle lines have been drawn.''

The chair of campaign group HACAN John Stewart said, “Countless residents will be dismayed and distraught by this decision. Some will lose their homes. Some face the daunting prospect of living under a noisy flight path for the first time. And many others will get yet more planes over their heads. But real doubts must remain whether this new runway will ever see the light of day. The hurdles it faces remain: costs, noise, air pollution and widespread opposition including an expected legal challenge from the local authorities.”

A new direct action network Rising Up is expected to announce escalating direct action against airport expansion following the government announcement.

October 26 2016