Local council serves legal papers to government over ‘unlawful support’ of Heathrow expansion
Richmond council served legal papers to the Government recently over their support for the expansion of Heathrow airport.
Wandsworth council, Hillingdon, Windsor and Maidenhead Council, Greenpeace and a Hillingdon resident also served papers to the Government.
The legal submission to the High Court sees the group seek a judicial review of the Government’s decision to back the expansion to three runways.
They argue that the Government has failed to consider the impact on air quality on surrounding areas along with the public consultation being flawed.
During the trial run for the third runway, Teddington residents’ quality of life was affected negatively and many complained about the noise during unsociable hours.
Lord True, leader of Richmond Council, said: “The process in which ministers have made their decision is dishonest, incompetent and goes back on a six year commitment never to expand the airport.
“Millions of people have already told the Government that they won’t stand for any expansion.”
A Heathrow spokesman said: “We are confident any judicial review would be unsuccessful and would not affect the timeline for the delivery of a new runway at Heathrow.
“The Government decision follows the recommendation of the independent Airports Commission whose work represents a solid foundation to support the decision to expand Heathrow.”
The plans for the new runway can be found here.
