Work On Planning Application For Third Runway Stopped |
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BAA also plans to stop buying properties in Sipson after a 'period of notice'
In response to the new Government's 'Coalition Agreement', BAA has announced that it will stop work on the planning application for a third runway. Cllr Jagdish Sharma, leader of the London Borough of Hounslow, speaking on behalf of the 2M Group which opposes Heathrow expansion, said this was the final victory for the campaign, “I am delighted that BAA has finally seen sense. This is great news for people living on both sides of the airport. An additional runway with all the noise and pollution would have been devastating for their quality of life.” 2M councils had joined forces with environmental groups to challenge the previous government’s decision to support the new runway. Lord Justice Carnwath ruled in March that ministers were wrong to have proceeded as if nothing had changed since the 2003 airport white paper setting out plans for expansion across the UK. He said the councils had made a powerful demonstration of the developments in climate change policy since 2003. Cllr Sharma added, “The judgment provides an opportunity to draw a line under the transport department’s previous decisions. Now that the runway battle is over we will be pressing for tougher controls on noise and air pollution around the airport.” The High Court challenge was brought by Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, Wandsworth and Windsor & Maidenhead councils with support from Kensington and Chelsea, Transport for London and the Mayor of London. The councils were joined by the local residents group (Notrag), aircraft noise campaigners HACAN, World Wildlife Fund UK, Campaign to Protect Rural England and Greenpeace. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was an expert witness. The councils are all members of the 2M Group - an alliance of local authorities concerned about the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities.
May 26, 2010 |