HAL scheme featuring 3.5km runway and M25 tunnel selected to shape the Airports National Policy Statement review, though planning approval is still required
Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) scheme for a new runway at the airport has been selected by the government.
Two proposals had been put forward to develop a third runway at Heathrow, but in the end, the government selected the HAL scheme, which involves moving part of the major M25 motorway.
The plans include a 3.5 km runway and building a tunnel under the development through which the M25 motorway will run.
An alternative proposal from the Arora Group would have utilised a shorter runway to avoid changes to the major ring road, which runs around the outside of London.
The HAL proposal will now shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made.
The ANPS will consider airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations and sets out the government’s criteria to consider future planning applications.
Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review.
UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion.
"This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament, which meets our key tests, including on the environment and economic growth.”
The news was welcomed by the country's logistics industry.
Logistics UK’s head of infrastructure policy, Jonathan Walker, said: “Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest port, handling 1.58 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, and the announcement of the winning third runway bid will provide growth opportunities for the UK economy in the long term.
"Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the implementation of the project, but there are other hurdles to be cleared, including CAA approvals and planning reforms.
“It is vital that this project is seen by government as an integral part of the ongoing development of an effective UK-wide logistics network, which will support and develop the effective supply chains that our economy needs.”
Steve Parker, BIFA director general, said: “I realise that this is just the first step in the latest leg of what has been a very lengthy journey over several decades. Having decided on the viability of the proposals put forward, the government now needs to do everything in its power to abide by its objective to deliver an operational third runway by 2035.
“That will require swift decisions on applications for planning consent, hopefully before the end of this Parliament.
“It is now time for everyone, including politicians of all parties, to pull together in the national interest and support the bold plans to expand and improve airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.”
While a scheme has now been selected, this does not mean that the development has been given the go-ahead.
The development plans will now need to pass through the ANPS process and gain planning permission. The project faces opposition from environmental groups, local residents and politicians.
Also, whilst HAL’s proposal will now be used to inform the ongoing ANPS review, any promoter will be able to submit a planning application to deliver the third runway once the ANPS review has been completed.
In September, the government also approved plans by Gatwick Airport to utilise its northern runway.
