Heathrow FAQs

Q1 What is the current status of the Heathrow expansion?
Q2 To what extent have Heathrow expansion plans informed the Local Plan?

Q1 What is the current status of the Heathrow expansion?

The Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) was originally designated in June 2018 however a legal challenge to the expansion was upheld in February 2020 through the Court of Appeal and the ANPS was found to be unlawful because it did not take climate commitments into account. In December 2020, the Supreme Court subsequently overturned the Court of Appeal's decision and allowed Heathrow Airport's appeal, noting that it had complied with relevant climate policy at the time.

Following the Supreme Court's judgment, Heathrow Airport is now entitled to apply for planning permission for its third runway. It still however requires a Development Consent Order (DCO) which will require consideration of the more stringent climate change pledges made by the UK Government since the ANPS's approval in 2018.

Progress on the airport expansion has been limited following this process and further scrutiny could be faced on environmental grounds. Heathrow Airport will also need to consider any implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on its plans for expansion.

The Council will continue to engage with the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group on strategic matters relating to the airport and the wider airport notwithstanding the airport expansion.

Q2 To what extent have Heathrow expansion plans informed the Local Plan?

Given the uncertainty surrounding the possible expansion of Heathrow Airport, it is considered appropriate to continue the development of the new Local Plan and aim to meet the development needs of Spelthorne within the Borough. The five-year Local Plan review will provide the opportunity to reflect on the progress of the Heathrow Expansion and consider the implications for Spelthorne and the Local Plan.