Spelthorne Borough Council announces conditional support for Heathrow Southern Rail link

The Council believes that the HSR project – which would create a direct rail connection from Staines-upon-Thames to Heathrow Airport – has the potential to boost economic growth, improve sustainable transport, and enhance connectivity for residents and businesses across the Borough.

Support for the HSR proposal is subject to three key conditions:

1. Trains must stop at Staines-upon-Thames, ensuring local residents directly benefit from the link.
2. Robust evidence must confirm no harm to Staines Moor, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nor any increase in groundwater flood risk.
3. Detailed terms of the HSR link must be reviewed and agreed before any final commitment is made.

The proposed HSR route would use existing rail infrastructure from Staines-upon-Thames to Windsor before tunnelling beneath Staines Moor – a design intended to minimise disruption and protect the town’s character. The alternative Southern Light Rail (SLR) proposal was found to pose greater risks to privacy, the landscape, and the environment.

Cllr Chris Bateson, Chair of the Working Group, said, “We have carefully reviewed both proposals, assessing their environmental, social, and economic impacts and believe the Heathrow Southern Rail proposal is an important step towards greener, more efficient travel to Heathrow. A direct link from Staines would ease congestion and support our local economy.” 

Cllr Howard Williams, Chair of the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee, added, “However, our support depends on firm assurances that Staines Moor will be protected, and flood risks fully addressed – our environment must not pay the price for progress. Spelthorne will continue to engage actively with HSR to ensure that our residents’ and Borough’s interests are front and centre in every stage of development.”

You can view the report and presentations here or watch the meeting on our You Tube channel from 1hr 50 minutes to hear the report being presented https://youtu.be/llvAreqBn6s