New Heathrow plans show no escape from aircraft noise for Hillingdon
Wednesday 1 January: Hillingdon Council is urging residents to participate in the latest consultation by Heathrow Airport Ltd to feed back on their proposals to increase flights to more than half a million a year, as well as expand the airport by creating a third runway that will add another 260,000 flights a year if approved.
The impact of the additional increased flights at the current two-runway airport is likely to result in more flights early in the morning, between 6am and 7am.
With a third runway, noise from an expanded Heathrow will affect communities in all parts of Hillingdon, with many people set to experience significant annoyance from Heathrow aircraft for the first time.
Heathrow's published plans show that Ruislip, Northwood, Harefield, Uxbridge, Hayes, West Drayton, Yeading and Yiewsley will experience extreme noise levels from the additional air traffic movements.
The potential routes depend on the introduction of new 'curved' approaches, meaning that aircraft could join the final runway approach closer to the airport than is currently possible over Hillingdon.
Residents can check how they will be affected by an expanded Heathrow by using the postcode checker on the consultation website (afo.heathrowconsultation.com) to see for themselves what the future could hold with an enlarged airport on their doorstep.
Residents have until Monday 4 March to feed back on the proposed expansion. The consultation report can be viewed on www.heathrowconsultation.com.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "This isn't just about expanding runway capacity. Heathrow is planning to sneak in extra flights, which will inflict noise on many Hillingdon residents, including those currently unaffected by flights. It is vital that residents check their own postcodes to fully understand what a damaging impact an expanded Heathrow would have on their health and wellbeing. It is also woeful that Heathrow has arranged only one consultation event in Hillingdon, when we are so affected by this shambolic plan. We will continue to fight the expansion alongside our partners, and I urge residents to let Heathrow know just how unacceptable their expansion plan is, not to mention their poor excuse for a consultation."
To object, give feedback or send comments, please contact Heathrow directly by:
- Visiting their website www.heathrowconsultation.com
- Emailing feedback@heathrowconsultation.com
- A feedback form at an event
- Posting your comments to Freepost LHR AFO consultation
The Heathrow judicial review begins in the High Court on Monday 11 March.