Richmond Council urges residents to take part in Heathrow consultation despite ‘poor timing’

Richmond Council is urging residents to take part in the government’s online public meeting on Heathrow expansion and ensure they submit their views on the proposals before the consultation closes.

The Council says the consultation has been poorly timed for residents throughout, running across the summer holiday period when many families are away or juggling childcare, making it harder for people to engage fully with proposals that could affect them for generations.

Next week's online meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 12 August, from 2 to 3.30pm, is the only public information event the Department for Transport (DfT) has organised during the consultation. Residents will be able to ask questions about the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement and proposals for a third runway. Residents can register to attend through the DfT’s consultation website.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of Richmond Council’s Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: “The timing of this public meeting is deeply disappointing.

“Holding an online event in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon, during the school holidays and just 13 days from the end of the consultation, risks excluding many of the people most affected by these proposals.

“This consultation is about decisions that could affect our communities for generations. Residents deserve every opportunity to understand what is being proposed, ask questions and have their say.”

The DfT event comes after Richmond Council hosted its own Heathrow community conversation, bringing together more than 100 residents to discuss the consultation, ask questions and share their views on the potential impacts of expansion.

Richmond Council has long opposed Heathrow’s expansion, warning the proposals would increase aircraft noise, worsen air quality, increase carbon emissions and reduce respite for communities already affected by the airport.

Councillor Neden-Watts added: “However frustrating the timing, I would encourage anyone who can to join the meeting and respond to the consultation before it closes.

“Every response matters. If you can’t attend on 12 August, please don’t let that stop you submitting your views. It is vital that the Government hears directly from the people who would live with the consequences of these proposals.”

The Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement consultation sets out the proposed planning policy framework against which any future application for expansion at Heathrow would be considered. The Government consultation closes at 11.59pm on 1 September 2026.

Residents are encouraged to register for the online public meeting on Wednesday 12 August and respond directly to the consultation before the deadline.

Richmond Council will submit its own formal response to the consultation and continue working with neighbouring boroughs, MPs and community groups to oppose proposals that would increase aircraft noise, air pollution, carbon emissions and disruption for local communities.