Richmond residents are being urged to make their voices heard after the Prime Minister described Heathrow expansion as a “matter for London and Londoners”.
The call comes as the airport consults on the Development Consent Order for the expansion plans – essentially the planning application process for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. Heathrow’s report on the consultation, including the issues raised and how it intends to address them, will form a part of its application.
The new consultation sets out how the airport believes the scheme will meet the criteria on the Heathrow Government’s Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS).
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “The Prime Minister has stated clearly that Heathrow expansion is a “matter for London and Londoners”, so let’s grab this latest opportunity to show what we think of these disastrous proposals.
“Let’s show again what more flights, more noise, more road traffic, poorer air quality and higher carbon emissions would mean for our health, homes, families, communities and quality of life.
“This latest consultation is Heathrow’s attempt to put forward the detail of what it wants to build and how it claims the scheme meets government tests.
“But despite all the consultations and technical documents already completed, there are still no real answers to the fundamental questions. Where is the plausible plan to protect people from increased and concentrated aircraft noise? How will Heathrow prevent more congestion and pollution on our roads? How can expansion be reconciled with the UK’s climate commitments when the Climate Change Committee says there is no credible pathway under current policies?”
During the Government’s recent consultation on the draft HENPS, Richmond Council argued the proposed tests were not strong enough to protect residents. It called for clearer and enforceable safeguards on noise and respite, night flights, air quality, surface access and climate change, as well as a proper assessment of whether expansion is needed and whether less harmful alternatives exist.
Since that consultation closed, a Climate Change Committee report asserted there is no “credible pathway” for expansion of Heathrow Airport within the UK’s climate commitments under current policies.
The report also highlighted aviation emissions have more than doubled since 1990, while emissions from the wider UK economy have halved. Heathrow is currently responsible for around half of the UK’s aviation emissions.
The new consultation runs from 27 October to 22 December 2026. Read the proposals and respond at Consultation | Heathrow.
Consultation materials produced by Heathrow Airport will be available for residents to review in four libraries across the borough once the consultation opens: Richmond Reference Library, Castelnau, Whitton, and Teddington.
Richmond Council will examine the documents in detail and publish guidance to help residents have their say.
