Residents voice their concerns on Heathrow expansion plans

Residents warned that Heathrow expansion would damage their homes, health and quality of life during a Richmond Council Community Conversation event.

Held last night at York House in Twickenham and online, the event was attended by more than 100 residents who came to discuss the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement consultation, ask questions and highlight the impact of proposals for a third runway to a broad panel of councillors, MPs and the leading coalition opposing the scheme.

Residents voiced their fears about the toll that aircraft noise, poor air quality, carbon emissions, night flights and disrupted sleep already take on families, older people, children and communities already living under some of the busiest flight paths in Europe.

Concerns were also raised about the mental health impact caused by the continued long-running uncertainty surrounding Heathrow expansion and the potential for more aircraft noise.

Speaking after the event, Richmond Council Leader Councillor Roberts said: “There was a real strength of feeling and anger in the room. Residents were clear that expansion is not just about airport capacity or flight numbers - it is about more noise over communities and tranquil green spaces, more disturbed nights, more pressure on people’s physical and mental health, poorer air quality and higher carbon emissions at a time when we should be cutting pollution, not locking in more of it.

"These are not abstract concerns. They are the experiences of our communities, who already endure the daily impact of Heathrow.

“Our position remains clear: London deserves a better Heathrow, not a bigger one.

“We will make sure residents’ voices are reflected in our formal response to the consultation and we will continue to stand up for our communities who should not be expected to pay the price of Heathrow expansion.”

Richmond Council has previously criticised the timing of the Government consultation, which runs until 1 September during the peak summer holiday period, warning communities must be given a fair chance to scrutinise the proposals.

The Council has long opposed Heathrow expansion and continues to campaign for stronger protections for residents affected by the airport, including action on aircraft noise, air quality, night flights and climate impacts, recognising that environmental harm is felt most sharply in the everyday lives of local people.

Panel representatives included Councillors Gareth Roberts, Julia Neden-Watts and Phil Giesler, as well as local MPs Sarah Olney, Munira Wilson, and Ruth Cadbury and coalition group No Third Runway.

Feedback shared at the Community Conversation event will help inform the Council’s formal response to the consultation. Residents can also respond directly to the Government consultation before it closes on 1 September.

Richmond Council will continue to work with neighbouring boroughs, MPs and community groups to challenge any proposals that would increase noise, pollution, carbon emissions or disruption for local communities, and to press for decisions that protect both residents’ quality of life and the climate. 

More information

You can read more information about our position on Heathrow expansion.