How are we doing so far? That’s the question the Airports Commission asks today as it seeks views of its work to date assessing where to build more runway capacity in the southeast.
The Airports Commission has today published for consultation its assessment of proposals for additional runway capacity at Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
The consultation presents the commission’s analysis of the proposals shortlisted by the commission last year: two for expansion at Heathrow Airport and one proposal at Gatwick Airport.
It invites public comment on the commission’s detailed consideration of each proposal. This includes analysis of the cost of each proposal, the effect on communities of noise, property loss and construction, and the economic benefits and environmental impacts.
The consultation period on the material runs through to 3rd February 2015. Comments will be taken into account ahead of the final report in the summer of 2015.
Commission chairman Sir Howard Davies said: “Since our interim report last year we have undertaken a huge amount of work. We have carried out a thorough assessment, across a comprehensive range of subjects, looking at the benefits and impacts of each proposal.
“We have not yet taken a view on which proposal strikes the most effective balance between the assessment criteria. It is important first that we provide an opportunity for this evidence to be examined, challenged and improved. This consultation gives everyone with an interest in the issue of airport expansion that opportunity.
“Responses to this consultation will be a valuable addition to our evidence base and will directly inform our recommendation to the government when we publish our final report in the summer of 2015.”
For details, see https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/increasing-the-uks-long-term-aviation-capacity
