The cabinet has approved a third runway plan at Heathrow, after they were approved by the government's economic sub-committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May. After 20 years of indecision the government has finally approved the plan for a third runway at Heathrow, paving the way for expansion.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced That £2.6bn in compensation for residents and noise abatement maesures. Environmental groups oppose the plan, which Mr Grayling says will only happen if air quality commitments are met. Mr Grayling told MPs, who will be asked to vote on the expansion plan by 11 July.
He insisted the decision was being taken in the national interest and would benefit the whole of the UK - with 15% of new landing slots at the airport "facilitating" regional connectivity.
Speaking in response to the news Virendra Sharma MP said: "I am pleased that Members of Parliament are finally getting the chance to vote on the Heathrow NPS. The airport has worked closely with local residents in developing proposals that will deliver significant benefits to the local economy, and minimise the impact on Heathrow’s neighbours. If they stick to the deal we have then Heathrow will deliver sympathetic sustainable growth in the local area for decades. Thousands of young people in my constituency will have access to high quality jobs and rigorous apprenticeships to qualify them for the jobs. An expanded Heathrow is not just an airport for West London, it is a nationwide and worldwide hub, with more flights in and out of Heathrow we can expect more direct flights to India and other increasingly important UK trade partners. The government is investing in a global Britain."
Hotel magnate Surinder Arora earlier in May, revealed a detailed alterantive designs of new terminal buildings he hopes to build and operate.
The Arora group claims that its plan will cost "under half" as much as the current Heathrow Airport Limited Scheme and will focus on a "Western Hub". He has the backing of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The plan includes a new building to receive passengers, which will have access to the existing Terminal 5 as well as a new Terminal 6 to help deal with the 130m passengers a year that MPs want the enlarged transport hub to handle.
Mr Arora reportedly said: "Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition."
