Despite a mountain of environmental complaints over the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow the Spelthorne housing market looks set to stay buoyant, according to experts.

Estate agents in Staines have seen a new year boost in house sales and do not expect a fall, despite approval for a third runway, which was confirmed by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon last Thursday.

Nevin and Wright, an Egham-based estate agents, reported a rise in sales since the new year.

Office manager David Wells said: “We have had the worst 10 years in housing prices since I have been in the business and this year it looks to be picking up in the Heathrow area.

“We have always been lucky in this area, because of our proximity to Heathrow the market has never dropped a considerable amount.

“Hopefully if we do see a boom because of the third runway all the estate agents will stay sensible and not increase prices too heavily.”

In spite of noise levels and pollution, Staines, Egham and Stanwell Moor were still selling.

According to an estate agent B S Bennett, based in Staines, it is the rental market which has always remained strong The agent, who did not want to be named, said: “Contractors would come and stay while they were working so the rental market rose quite a bit in the last year.

“We don’t expect to see a massive boom, or decrease in prices or demand for buying.

“But for renting there might be a boom.

“It is a double-edged sword living here, on one hand you have the pollution and health risks but on the other hand there is a good employment market.”

Homeowners who will be affected by the third runway will get access to compensation schemes set up by Heathrow owners BAA.