Logistics UK has backed Heathrow's board approval to fund a third runway planning application, targeting 2029 planning consent.
Source: Heathrow Airports Limited
Logistics UK has welcomed Heathrow’s approval of funding to begin work on a planning application for a third runway that it said will help boost freight capacity and trade.
The airport yesterday announced that its board had given the greenlight to fund the planning application, an important initial step in securing planning approval by its 2029 target.
While Logistics UK welcomed the news, it warned that the announcement also highlights the struggle in getting large infrastructure projects off the ground.
Chief executive Ben Fletcher said: "A third runway at Heathrow will help address the significant shortage of air cargo capacity in the south east and it is a significant step that funding for the planning application has been agreed.
“However, we must acknowledge the tremendous expense and risk involved in building large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK. The planning application alone is expected to cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and there is still significant red tape to navigate, including Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approvals and planning reforms, before any ground is broken.
“The third runway project will be a good test of the government’s infrastructure strategy. It will become clear whether there really is a long-term strategic view of infrastructure and a genuine commitment to end the stop-start processes that have held back progress in the past.”
The association pointed out that Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest port in terms of value, handling over £200bn worth of cargo every year.
The UK government has set the timetable to secure planning permission by 2029 and bring a third runway into operation in a decade.
Over the summer, the Department for Transport (DfT) will publish the draft Airports National Policy Statement (‘ANPS’) and the CAA will decide on the long-term regulatory model which will determine if private investment will be forthcoming.
In the autumn, parliament will be asked to decide on the final ANPS – a decision which will set the planning framework for the project and put the UK on course for first flights from a third runway in a decade.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: "Maintaining momentum will mean the CAA and Ministers remain focused on securing the benefits of the project by meeting vital milestones in 2026 that are essential to enabling the next phase of delivery.”
