Last call to stop airport expansion

As the spectre of airport expansion in the south east is once again in the news, CPRE London planning volunteer Jon Rowles adds our voice to the contentious debate

Reports this week have indicated that the Government is likely to approve expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports to bolster economic growth. This would mean CPRE London’s concerns about environmental degradation and the erosion of the Green Belt becoming a reality.

Ecological toll

Heathrow, the nation’s busiest airport, remains at the heart of this polarising issue. The long-debated third runway – hailed by supporters as crucial to maintaining the UK’s position as a global aviation hub – continues to provoke fierce opposition. Proponents, including prominent business leaders and figures within the aviation industry, point to significant economic advantages, from enhanced trade opportunities to creating thousands of jobs. Yet many Londoners and environmental campaigners dispute that Britain needs a single hub airport and believe the ecological toll overshadows any economic gain.

Air quality is one of the most pressing concerns. The south east already endures some of the country’s highest pollution levels, and the increased flights and road traffic linked to airport expansion threaten to worsen the situation. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been a vocal critic, arguing that the third runway would jeopardise efforts to combat climate change and meet legally-binding carbon reduction targets. Nevertheless, the Government, prioritising economic growth, has signalled a willingness to bypass stringent environmental safeguards.

Destruction of Green Belt

Beyond London, the potential destruction of Green Belt land has galvanised opposition from suburban and rural communities. Many expansion proposals will have knock-on effects extending beyond runways and terminals. The accompanying surge in freight traffic demands infrastructure such as warehouses, distribution centres and access roads. All will require carving into protected areas, displacing wildlife and removing vital natural carbon sinks. Along with the risk that London will once again start eating into the home counties, undermining the policy to contain London that has held firm since the 1950s and is supported by CPRE London.

The threat of encroachment is not limited to Heathrow. Areas surrounding Gatwick and Stansted airports face similar threats, with residents raising alarms about noise pollution and the irreversible loss of countryside.

Legal challenges

Environmental activists, supported by local councils and conservation organisations, are increasingly turning to legal challenges and public demonstrations to halt what they view as unsustainable development. Their efforts reflect a broader societal reckoning as the UK struggles to balance economic growth with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

As the Government weighs its options, the stakes are higher than ever. For the south east, the cost of airport expansion risks extending far beyond the immediate economic gains, threatening the very landscapes and ecosystems that define the region’s character and value.

Despite reports, this expansion has not yet been given the green light and CPRE London strongly opposes airport expansion. We highlight the irreplaceable importance of Green Belt land as carbon sinks, habitats and recreation and mental wellbeing spaces. CPRE has also drawn attention to the precedent set by freight-related developments, warning that these projects pave the way for further incursions into safeguarded land.

Our public campaigns and detailed reports have succeeded in rallying local communities and pressuring policymakers to reassess expansion plans. Our caseworkers and planning volunteers are spending considerable effort responding to a blizzard of Green Belt reviews, Local Plan consultations, and planning applications. Plans for facilities relating to airport expansion are increasingly popping up, such as a new logistics centre on the greenbelt Hatton Fields in Bedfont in Hounslow Borough.

CPRE London will be taking action with our partners on this, so watch this space for updates on how you can get involved. Your continued support helps fund our organisation and enables us to stand up for Londoners and our local environment.

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