Thursday, 15 April 2010

Row Over Heathrow Credit Claims

The volcanic ash cloud which has grounded aircraft across the country has brought back into focus the controversial decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.

Many residents have been celebrating the reduction in noise pollution as several days of clear skies have provided a demonstration of the difference it makes to everyday quality of life.

Only a couple of weeks ago campaigners were also celebrating the decision in the High Court forcing a review of Government policy on expansion. The statutory public consultation was described as flawed and founded on 'out of date' information which makes .

Councils across Berkshire together with Greenpeace and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have signed up to the 2M coalition group opposed to a third runway.

Colnbrook Parish Council Chairman Laurie Tucker said,
"This is an enormous win for everyone who is affected by Heathrow's air traffic. We welcome this decision but I am sure the government will not back down without a fight."
Conservative leader on Windsor and Maidenhead council Cllr David Burbage claimed it was a victory over Gordon Brown's Labour.

He pays credit to Labour rebel John MacDonnell MP, Conservative Justine Greening MP and LibDem Susan Kramer MP who've spearheaded the cross-party parliamentary campaign group and describes the decision as a "total vindication of the action we've taken on behalf of residents to help prevent vast airport expansion."

Meanwhile Adrian Windisch claims the decision is 'another Green victory'.

However Judge Carnwarth refused to quash the planning application and the Department of Transport said it would 'robustly defend' the expansion plans as the latest evidence would be taken into account when the review took place later in the year - meaning the campaign is a long way from being over yet.

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More on the plans for Heathrow expansion

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