Heathrow’s plan to move M25 for third runway backed by ministers

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander rejected a rival proposal from Arora Group, saying Heathrow’s own plans were “the most credible and deliverable option”.

The Heathrow proposals involve building a 3,500-metre runway and require a new M25 tunnel and bridges to be built 130 metres west of the existing motorway.

The Arora plan, put forward by a group led by hotel tycoon Surinder Arora, was for a shorter, 2,800-metre runway that would not require diverting the M25.

But in a written statement to Parliament, Ms Alexander said the proposal would still have “a considerable impact” on the motorway, and require the compulsory purchase of more homes around the airport.

A Heathrow spokesperson welcomed the decision, saying expanding the airport “will mean more connectivity, increased trade, improved passenger experience and a huge economic boost for the British businesses that will help design and build it”.

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But the spokesperson added that “further clarity” was needed on how the next phase of the project would be regulated, calling for “definitive decisions” from Government and the Civil Aviation Authority by mid-December.

Mr Arora said his group “accepts today’s announcement” and still hoped to be chosen as the “promoter” of the third runway, rather than Heathrow Airport, adding that competition was “absolutely imperative to keep costs under control at the airport”.

The planned third runway is estimated to cost £33 billion, including £1.5 billion on moving the M25, and is expected to be fully privately financed.

It will see Heathrow’s capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per year.

The Government aims to make a decision on a planning application for Heathrow’s expansion by the next election, with the third runway becoming operational by 2035.

Ms Alexander said Tuesday’s decision would “allow a decision on a third runway plan this Parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth”.

She added: “We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses and our economy sooner.”

The proposals will be subject to further consultation as the Government overhauls the Airports National Policy Statement that governs planning decisions for airports.

The Transport Secretary has also pledged to consult the independent Climate Change Committee on the expansion to ensure it is consistent with the Government’s commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

But the plan has also received backlash from climate campaigners.

Tony Bosworth, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “This government-backed plan is virtually the equivalent of bolting an airport the size ofGatwick onto Heathrow. That would mean more noise and air pollution for local communities.

"Expanding Heathrow simply isn't compatible with our legally binding climate targets, even if the government meets its hugely optimistic assumptions for emerging technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels.

"The government has said that airport expansion can only go ahead if it meets tests on climate, noise and air pollution, and growth. Proving that will be an immense task – and breaking this promise will threaten their environmental integrity going into the next election.

"To avoid this, we need evidence-based decision-making, not a reckless gamble with our future."