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In July 2009 Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) submitted an application under the Transport and Works Act to provide a new rail link to Heathrow called Airtrack.
The intention of the scheme was to link Heathrow with the national rail network to the south and west of the airport. It involved constructing a new line from Terminal 5 southwards to the Windsor line north of Staines, a new section of track in the town centre and other works.
The project received significant objections including from Spelthorne Borough Council. A public inquiry was therefore planned to take place – initially in 2010.
The project’s implementation was reliant on a significant level of public funding. However, following election of the Coalition Government and a review of government spending, it was clear this would no longer be available. These funding issues, as well as some planning matters that could not be satisfactorily resolved e.g. impact of increased level crossing down times, led to HAL reviewing the project and eventually announcing in early April 2011 their intention to withdraw their Transport and Works Act application. They are now working on other ways of improving rail services to Heathrow.
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