HEATHROW Airport’s expansion has been deemed unlawful after judges said the government did not suitably consider climate change issues.
Plans for a third runway were formally put forward last year but the Court of Appeal yesterday judged the government did not fully consider its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change when setting out its support for the expansion proposals.
READ MORE: Spending on biscuits, sandwiches and drinks cost the council £13,000 in five years
Heathrow said it would appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and is ready to work with the government to fix the issue raised by the court.
A public consultation on Heathrow expansion gathered opinions on the proposal last year, a survey which Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) responded to.
Cllr Chris Turrell, BFC’s transport chief, signed off on the authority’s response in September.
He told the News: “We acknowledge the economic benefits of Heathrow Airport, as it currently stands, to Bracknell Forest businesses and residents.
READ MORE: How much your council tax will go up by next year
“However, the scale and potential impact of the proposed expansion of the airport raises significant strategic and practical concerns for Bracknell Forest residents.
“Consequently, before the council can consider whether or not to support any expansion, it needs a response to a number of issues.
“These issues relate to surface access, pollution, noise, disturbance, labour supply and waste. This is our position.”
BFC's economic development boss Marc Brunel-Walker said the decision was "catastrophic news" for the Thames Valley Economy.
But, in a column for the News a fortnight ago, Windsor MP Adam Afriyie said people were "fed up" of the Heathrow expansion project.
Afriyie responded to the decision saying it was "really good news" and The Court of Appeal’s verdict also came as welcome news to climate change campaigners.
Catastrophic news for the Thames Valley Economy, the economy of London the impact on the UK as whole .. and the last nail for many investors trying to decide between the UK and EU for their offices - This MUST be appealed. @BackHeathrow
— Marc Brunel-Walker (@MBrunelWalker) February 27, 2020
Adam Daum, from Bracknell Extinction Rebellion, told the News: “It’s an absolutely brilliant result.
READ MORE: Why lonely residents say it is 'vital' Shopmobility stays open
“Building a third runway at Heathrow was clearly incompatible with the UK government’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“So, this is an iconic ruling in the UK.
“But even more importantly, it shows that the Paris Agreement is legally binding, and that has global implications.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here