Seven London councils block Heathrow third‑runway plan over noise
The joint letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was sent after the HENPS consultation closed on 1 September, and the runway proposal would require moving the M25 with a decision due in 2029
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The council leaders wrote to the transport secretary on 2 September, stating the proposed runway does not meet the four tests set out in the draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement. They said the scheme would worsen aircraft noise, air‑quality pressures and road congestion for residents across the capital and neighbouring counties.
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In the letter, the leaders argued that the evidence supplied by Heathrow fails to demonstrate compliance with economic, climate, air‑quality and noise criteria. They urged the government to consider alternatives such as better use of existing capacity, expanded rail links and shifting short‑haul flights to train services.
For many of our residents, the issue is not abstract national infrastructure policy. It is the daily reality of aircraft noise over homes, schools, parks and town centres, disturbed sleep from early morning and late‑night flights, concern about pollution on already congested roads and the prospect that hard‑won protections such as runway alternation and respite could be weakened or lost.
Gareth Roberts, leader of Wandsworth Council
The council leaders also criticised the draft policy for appearing to assume expansion will proceed, which they said limits a balanced consultation. They called for a withdrawal of government support and a collaborative approach to a sustainable aviation strategy that protects cleaner air and quieter skies.
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Responses from Heathrow and the Department for Transport
Heathrow Airport Limited responded that it takes its neighbour responsibilities seriously and will engage constructively with local concerns. The airport said any expansion must meet legally binding targets on noise, air quality and carbon emissions, and cited recent polling that shows majority support for the project among local people.
A Department for Transport spokesperson thanked participants for their input to the HENPS consultation and said the department will review all responses before setting out next steps later in the year. A parliamentary vote on the policy is expected by the end of the calendar year if the government proceeds.
Questions this report answers
+What action did the seven London councils take?
The leaders of Wandsworth, Richmond, Kingston, Hillingdon, Southwark, Sutton and Windsor and Maidenhead wrote a joint letter to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on 2 September, formally opposing the draft Heathrow expansion policy and outlining their concerns about noise, pollution and traffic.
+When did the consultation on the draft policy close?
The public consultation on the draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement closed at 23:59 on 1 September 2026, after which the councils submitted their opposition letter to the transport secretary.
+When is a decision on the third runway expected?
Heathrow Airport Limited expects a decision on the proposed 3,500‑metre northwest runway, which would require moving part of the M25, to be taken in 2029, following the submission of a planning application.
+What alternatives did the councils suggest?
The councils urged the government to look at better use of existing airport capacity, improve rail connections for domestic travel and shift short‑haul flights to train services, rather than building a new runway that would increase noise and emissions.
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