Heathrow expansion challenge launched (From Your Local Guardian)

Heathrow expansion challenge launched

10:10am Tuesday 7th April 2009

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Campaigners and councils have launched an application for a judicial review of the Government’s decision to approve a third runway at Heathrow.

Richmond, Hounslow and Wandsworth Councils are all members of 2M, an alliance of local authorities concerned about the environmental impact of expansion at the airport which begun the action today.

The case is also backed by the Mayor of London, Greenpeace and other groups.

The Transport Secretary, Geoff Hoon, announced his support for a third runway and sixth terminal on January 15 subject to a number of environmental conditions relating to noise, air quality, public transport and climate change.

Local authorities will argue the Government failed to conduct a lawful consultation process and arrived at a decision based on half-capacity third runway, which was different to the fully operational runway in the consultation.

They will claim the decision was irrational in a number of areas including the economic case, noise, air quality and public transport impacts and the approach to climate change issues, and that the Transport Secretary failed to provide adequate reasons for his decision.

Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister, speaking on behalf of 2M, said: “This is the last chance we have to get any meaningful protection for people whose lives are affected by the airport’s relentless expansion. We do not think the Government has played fair by the residents of west London. As local authorities we have an obligation to our residents to expose the shortcomings of the Government’s case.”

Richmond Council leader Serge Lourie added: “Ministers have provided no evidence that the kind of aircraft that will be flying in 2020 will be able to deliver the magic solution of lower emissions, less noise and reduced fuel consumption.

“The story of Heathrow expansion is a 30-year litany of broken promises. We cannot sit back and allow a third runway to be built on trust when the environmental justification is so shaky and the economic benefit so marginal.”

2M, which took its name from the two million residents of the original 12 members, represents 23 authorities with a combined population of 5 million people.

If permission is granted it is likely that a hearing would not take place until the early part of 2010.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston, who leads the Liberal Democrat Party’s campaign against the expansion of Heathrow, said: “When the judges attempt to read the Heathrow consultation document they will see that it is designed to confuse rather than inform.

“The consultation process was completely substandard and this legal challenge is absolutely correct.

“It is not only those who live under the flight path who will be affected by the third runway. It will be an environmental disaster.

“The Government has tried to ride roughshod over the will of the people by forcing through the third runway. It is high time they were stopped in their tracks.”

For more information on 2M visit 2MGroug.org.uk.

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