Heathrow consultation: frequently asked questions
Consultation - subject
Please note: this consultation closed on 27 February 2008.
What does the consultation cover?
The consultation seeks views on ways in which Heathrow airport could be developed over the next 20 years or more. In particular, it reports on the outcome of the work over the last three years to consider how a short third runway and associated passenger terminal facilities could operate within the strict local environmental limits set out in our White Paper. It also includes proposals for making greater use of the existing two runways, subject to the same conditions.
Why is the Government consulting?
The consultation fulfils a Government commitment made in the 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper and in last year's Progress Report. The Government considers there is a strong case for introducing further capacity at Heathrow within the strict local environmental conditions but we want to consult on our evidence before final policy decisions are made.
Why are we not asking whether there should be a third runway?
The Air Transport White Paper stated the Government's support for the further development of Heathrow, including a third runway and additional terminal capacity subject to stringent local environmental limits being met. It also said that scope for making greater use of the two existing runways should be explored, subject to the same environmental limits. The consultation presents the outcome of our assessment of these options and invites views.
Why is the Department asking this now?
The work conducted by the Department for Transport is now complete on how a short third runway and associated passenger terminal facilities could operate within the strict local environmental limits set out in our 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper. The consultation fulfils a Government commitment made in the White Paper and in last year's Progress Report to consult in 2007.
Why can’t you build another runway at Stansted or Luton instead?
Not all the proposed expansion is at Heathrow. A range of options was considered during the development of the 2003 Air Transport White Paper. After careful analysis, the Government concluded that best use should be made of existing capacity but that two new runways were needed in the South East - the first at Stansted and then at Heathrow. We believe that the White Paper strikes the right balance between realising economic benefits and minimising environmental and social impacts.
Local impacts
Does the consultation affect night noise from aircraft?
No. The consultation is not concerned with the night flights regime at Heathrow. That runs until the next review in 2012 and is not affected by any of the proposals in the consultation document.
Where will the new terminal be?
The airport operator has made the case for locating a new terminal between the current northern runway and a new third runway. The terminal would cater for around 35 million passengers a year and serve a mix of long and short haul operations. The layout would be similar to Terminal 5. It’s final location and size will be subject to detailed preparatory work and planning approvals.
Where do I find out about compensation rules?
We recognise that the loss of housing will impact the local community. Those affected would have a statutory entitlement to compensation at the relevant stage of the planning process. BAA also has voluntary compensation schemes that aim to protect the value of properties that might be acquired in due course for runway development; and to help home-owners with moving expenses if they choose to relocate once a decision is made to apply for planning permission.
I live at Sipson – what happens to me?
A third runway and passenger terminal would result in the loss of Sipson village, around 700 properties, 255ha of green belt land and 195ha of agricultural land and 80ha of sand and deposits. Any developments would be subject to the full planning process. However, BAA has relevant blight and compensation schemes that will apply for those affected by the development and there are also statutory blight and compensation regulations that might apply.
Noise
How do I find out what noise contour my house is in?
There are various noise contour maps in the consultation documents and all this information will be available at the public exhibitions where there are interactive displays showing the noise contour.
How loud is 57dBA?
The CAA equate this to the noise levels in a busy office. The exhibitions have a noise booth that allows people to get a clearer impression of relative noise levels from old and new aircraft.
Why is the Department considering mixed mode?
Mixed mode would provide much needed additional capacity at the airport before a new runway could be available. However, we recognise that its introduction would affect people around the airport. We therefore invite all parties to register their views in the consultation.
Call centre
What do I do if I have a detailed question?
You can contact our dedicated enquiry line on 0845 600 4170 for questions about the consultation.
Exhibitions
When are the exhibitions open?
10am to 8pm for all the weekday events, and 8.30am to 4pm for the Saturday event in Hounslow.
Who will be at the exhibitions?
The exhibitions will be manned by DfT officials, staff from the CAA and NATs and representatives from our consultants to provide technical advice. (BAA will not be represented.)
What information will be at the exhibitions?
There will be a number of display panels showing key information about the consultation. In addition, all the consultation documentation will be available. There will also be a facility for people to submit their responses if necessary.
Registering your views
How can I respond to the consultation?
We would encourage responses via our online response form on our website at www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation
You can also respond electronically or on paper at the exhibitions.
Alternatively you can write to:
Freepost RRRR-TARL-ABJS
Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport
(DfT Consultation)
Research Services House
Elmgrove Road
Harrow HA1 2QG
When will the consultation close?
27 February 2007. All responses must be with us by that date.
Will the Government just listen to the big organisations and ignore responses from private individuals?
Absolutely not. We have made every effort to ensure that local residents and have every opportunity to respond to the consultation. Their views will be treated in exactly the same way as those from organisations.
Can I respond on behalf of an organisation?
Yes.
How can I obtain a response form?
The response form can be requested from:
Heathrow Consultation
PO Box 236
Wetherby LS23 7NB
Tel: 0845 600 4170
It is also available on our website at www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation
Response analysis
What will happen after the consultation closes?
After the close of the consultation we will conduct an analysis of all responses and evidence received which will inform the Government’s. If policy approval is given it will be for the airport operator to carry out any further work as part of the preparation for any planning application.
Will there be further consultations after this one?
If approval is granted following this consultation there would need to be further consultation, conducted by the airport operator, at appropriate stages in the preparation of planning applications.
Who will evaluate the responses and will it be independent?
We have commissioned a specialist company, Detica in partnership with IPSOS-MORI, to undertake the analysis of responses. They will evaluate all responses and will submit a report on their findings to the Department.
How can I find out about the outcome of the consultation?
A report on the analysis of the consultation responses will be made available on the Department’s website at www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation
Timings
When will decisions be made and how will I hear about the outcome?
Ministerial decisions are likely to follow in 2008. All parties that responded to the consultation will be informed of the outcome, and press statements will be released, along with further information on the Department’s website.
When would mixed mode commence? And when would a third runway be built?
Investment decisions are ultimately a matter for the airport operator and the timing would be for their commercial judgment. However, we anticipate that mixed mode would commence at the earliest in 2010/11, and a third runway in 2020.
