Hounslow undergoes consultation on third runway

Residents living in the London borough of Hounslow will soon have the power to make their voices heard on the issue of a potential third runway at Heathrow, an idea that remains a possibility despite the cancellation of the project in 2010.

A survey will be delivered to all of Hounslow's 100,000 households, giving them a chance to air their views on the noise aspect as well as a variety of other issues related to the expansion. It is the biggest consultation carried out in the district's history.

The questionnaire, snappily entitled 'Make Some Noise Over Heathrow', aims to tackle residents' fears over a number of problems associated with being Heathrow's closest community, although the council has acknowledged the airport's proximity is vitally important for the borough's economy.

More than 11,000 Hounslow residents work at Heathrow, while passengers passing through provide vital business to the town's high street shops.

Addressing the issue, councillor Colin Ellar, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said that Hounslow "wants to see a better airport, not a bigger airport".

"The council doesn’t support expanding Heathrow, but we appreciate that thousands of our residents depend on it for work," he explained.

"At the same time, we want a better deal for all our residents who suffer the environmental downsides of Heathrow, particularly aircraft noise."

The council's policy on the airport has received support from both Labour and Conservative members, with members from both parties planning to be out and about during May in order to participate in the debate.

Views can also be declared online, with the discussion taking pride of place on the local authority's Facebook page.

It is hoped the questionnaire will be taken into account when the government hears the results of the Davies Commission, an enquiry designed to explore the impact of expansion at Heathrow, due to be heard after the next general election.

Posted by Andy Britten
 

Published 29th April, 2013

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