Environmental campaigners and residents’ groups have launched a new drive against the alleged “back door” expansion of Heathrow Airport, The Evening Standard reports.
Following reports that ministers may back off from building a third runway, critics have warned of a new initiative geared towards boosting the frequency of landings at the hub.
Campaigners say that new proposals to add services on existing runways would double the noise burden on people living under flight-paths, raising it from nine to 18 hours a day.
John Stewart of anti-expansion lobbying group HacanClearskies said that the plans – expected to add 60,000 flights per year – would have serious consequences for local residents.
“It will have a real impact on those under the flight-path,” he asserted. “I imagine if the government says this is what they will do there will be an even bigger outcry than against the third runway.”
Also speaking to The Evening Standard, Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister questioned the government’s figures, insisting that the move could in fact add up to 170,000 movements per year.
