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Updated Jun 26, 2019

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Masterplan for Heathrow expansion goes out for consultation

Heathrow Airport has published its preferred masterplan for the future layout of the airport, which includes the construction of a third runway.

The masterplan will be out for consultation for 12 weeks until 13 September, with 43 consultation events taking place.

As well as the new runway, the plan sets out details of other airport infrastructure, such as terminals and road access, and how the environmental effects of the expansion will be managed, including a proposed Heathrow Ultra Low Emissions Zone.

It also proposes a Heathrow vehicle access charge and a six-and-a-half-hour ban on scheduled night flights.

The consultation document outlines the airport's plans for phased growth. The runway is estimated to open in 2026, and the masterplan should be completed in 2050.

This "incremental growth" will mirror the forecast growth in passengers and help airport charges to remain close to 2016 levels, so that fares are more affordable for passengers.

Feedback is sought on how the airport plans to manage the effects of expansion including, property compensations, a noise insulation policy, and a community fund.

The masterplan was put together after a public consultation on the expansion was held from January to March in 2018, and the Airspace and Future Operations Consultation was held in the first three months of this year.

Responses to the consultation will inform the airport's application for a development consent order. The runway will be considered as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow's executive director for expansion, said "expansion must not come at any cost. That is why we have been working with partners at the airport, in local communities and in government to ensure our plans show how we can grow sustainably and responsibly - with environmental considerations at the heart of expansion. This consultation is an opportunity for people to have their say on our preferred masterplan, so it's really important that as may people as possible take part".

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