'Why Heathrow Expansion Is Vital'

[efq]

The chief executive of Heathrow operator, BAA, has said it is vital the airport gets a third runway after the Government earlier approved it to the dismay of green campaigners.


Expansion plans face widespread opposition


Colin Matthews said the current two runways were "overloaded" and they needed more capacity "not just for growth but to provide the reliable service that passengers deserve".
He said the third runway, costing losing £8bn-9bn and funded by passenger charges, not the taxpayer, was needed to keep the capital a business 'hub' and well connected to global markets.
But 700 homes will have to be demolished in the village of Sipson to make way for the controversial expansion.

BAA chief executive Colin Matthews

Mr Matthews told Sky's Jeff Randall: "Over the last 10 years, the number of destinations served by London has dropped, and almost the exactly the same amount of destinations served by Paris as grown.
"If we don't provide the capcity we need over a period of time, gradually we won't have a hub in this country.
"One of the issues that businesses consider when they say 'where they should be headquartered' is how well are we connected to global markets.
"If the first step you have to make to your global markets is a short-haul flight or train to Paris, that's one reason why businesses will hestitate to keep London the powerhouse that is is for this country and economy."


Earlier, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced backing for the expansion, which he said was vital for economic growth.
Faced with opposition from not only the Tories and Liberal Democrats but up to 50 Labour backbenchers, he tried to sweeten the pill by pledging strict noise and pollution targets.
He said he also saw a "strong case" for a new high-speed rail hub at Heathrow and had also created a new company to explore the creation of a high-speed line between London and Scotland.
Mr Hoon said a new runway at Heathrow was "the best way to maximise efficiency" at an expanded airport.

Hoon: 'Strong case' for rail hub

In a wide-ranging statement on transport infrastructure, Mr Hoon tried to win over critics by insisting three steps would be taken to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
Initial extra capacity would be limited to around half of the original proposal; only the cleanest planes will be allowed to use the new slots and there will be a new target to limit aviation emissions to below 2005 levels by 2050.
He said there would be incentives for the use of quieter and cleaner aircraft.
In a move that is likely to disappoint airlines and Heathrow operator BAA, Mr Hoon ruled out allowing the so-called mixed-mode approach on the airport's two existing runways.
This would have scrapped the alternation process now used, in which local residents get some respite from the noise of planes for half the day.

Climate protesters fear new runway

But Shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers told MPs: "This is a bleak day for our environment.
"It will inflict devastating damage to the environment and quality of life."
Earlier, Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended the decision, saying: "It is always our desire to make sure that we protect the economic future of the country while at the same time meeting the very tough environmental conditions that we have set ourselves for noise and pollution and for climate change."
Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said: "If Gordon Brown thinks this is a green runway then he must be colour-blind.
"This package is designed to patch up a cabinet split and will do very little to reduce the huge environmental impact of an expanded Heathrow, which will now become the single biggest emitter of carbon-dioxide in the country."

Boris Johnson: Backs legal challenge

"We are also fully aware that today's decision will be a difficult one for many, particularly those residents who will be directly affected by it. We intend to work with the local community as much as possible as we go through the planning process."
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I am deeply concerned that the proper processes of coming to this decision may not have been followed, and will support a legal challenge should this prove to be the case."

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Pol...s_Third_Runway

Stupid protestors need to grow up and get lives and allow these things.

[le harry]

700 homes?! Doesn't seem like a fair trade off lol

[DeejayMachoo$]

Will they compensate the people who are loosing there homes or just relocate them? I think they should give each person every chance too sell there home too heathrow, i cant turn araound and say ooh i want a rather big extention mhmm shame ill have to knock down two of my nabours homes!

[efq]

Will they compensate the people who are loosing there homes or just relocate them? I think they should give each person every chance too sell there home too heathrow, i cant turn araound and say ooh i want a rather big extention mhmm shame ill have to knock down two of my nabours homes!

They are compensating all the people with a little bonus.

They really want this.

[xxMATTGxx]

Heathrow does need the runway, but people do have a point. Why not "update" or "improve" other UK airports.

[BeanEgg]

That's life, it happens; also having the new runway will reduce noise levels due to new routes I believe.

Home owners are getting compensation, possibly more than what their houses are worth, so there's not much of a problem in my eyes.

It could be argued that people like it where they are, but then again, the government cannot please everyone at the same time.

[Mathew]

These protestors need to understand that Hethrow Airport is one of the busiest and biggest airports in the world. Without these critical expansions, this will only cause congestion stretching for miles around the airport which will increase pollution even more.

The government says one thing, the protestors say another, and neither of them read between the lines and look at what will happen in years to come.

I really hope this expansion is a go-ahead. Flown from Hethrow a few times (3-4 hour drive from Yorkshire) and the airport is amazing. Newest planes go here, and it's famous all through the world. Terminal 5 looks great from the outside too, just waiting for one of our flights to depart from there.

[Immenseman]

I think it's a good move, create more jobs bring more people to the UK, more money in the economy in the long run. All the extra flights per year will give you plenty of extra options also. Good move. I know there are negatives also but I think they're out weighed by the positives.

[Technologic]

Heathrow does need the runway, but people do have a point. Why not "update" or "improve" other UK airports.

Well heathrow handles the most international passenger traffic in the world so there's no point updating other airports

[jackass]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Pol...s_Third_Runway

Stupid protestors need to grow up and get lives and allow these things.

Don't be naive.

If I was someone in the 700 homes that would be demolished, I'd be pretty pissed off, so don't make such ignorant comments. :rolleyes: