Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth Council opposes the government’s backing of Heathrow’s third runway, citing environmental, and quality-of-life concerns for local communities.
Residents of Wandsworth are impacted by Heathrow. The lack of runway alternation on the current runways has resulted in increased noise pollution for communities in Balham, Battersea, Clapham Common, Putney, Tooting, and Wandsworth Town.
As a result, while westerly operations are in place, planes will be overhead for longer periods of time each day, with no break after 3 p.m.
Why did the Wandsworth Council oppose the Heathrow third runway plans?
The third runway is opposed by Wandsworth Council because of possible effects on the environment and human health.
In 2019, Richmond, Hillingdon, Windsor and Maidenhead, Hammersmith and Fulham, and other councils formed a cross-party alliance under Wandsworth’s leadership. This group contested the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement, stating that it did not take into account the environmental effects or align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
They did this in collaboration with the Mayor of London and climate charities. Heathrow’s appeal to the Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s original finding in our favour. The Wandsworth council reaffirmed that they will continue to oppose airport expansions that go above the current yearly cap of 480,000 flights.
Council Leader, Simon Hogg, said:
“We cannot stand by and let Heathrow have a green light to enact such unwelcome changes on our communities. The third runway not only threatens our environment but will also severely affect the day-to-day lives of thousands of Wandsworth residents. “
Residents in Balham would have to deal with aircraft flying overhead for a greater portion of the day due to the two runways’ lack of alternation, and Putney would also have to deal with a considerable increase in noise from larger, noisier aircraft.
The government and Heathrow Airport are urged by Wandsworth Council to give sustainable alternatives top priority and take into account the opinions of the thousands of locals who will be impacted directly.
How has the community responded to Wandsworth Council’s stance against the third runway?
The council’s complaints about noise pollution, poor air quality, and the general effect on quality of life are acknowledged by Wandsworth residents.
According to the council, the third runway would cause even more disruptions to areas like Balham, Battersea, Clapham Common, Putney, Tooting, and Wandsworth Town, which are already impacted by current flight paths.
Residents have been urged to join and voice their opinions by the council, despite complaints that Heathrow’s consultation events are inaccessible and poorly situated. The community’s opinions are heard during the decision-making process because of this involvement.
The survey says that the No Third Runway Coalition received community support and financial backing from Wandsworth Council. This alliance seeks to draw awareness to the expansion’s effects and give locals a forum to share their concerns.