UK Government officials have this week delayed the decision on whether a third runway should be built at the world’s fourth busiest airport, London Heathrow.
Although the original decision deadline was earmarked for December 31st 2015, the British Transport Secretary Peter McLoughlin has extended the deadline citing the need for further environmental investigation as the reason.
Additional Runway for Heathrow?
Business leaders and campaigners from the ‘Your Heathrow’ group have condemned the decision , which was taken even after the Airports Commission group stated their support for a third, and even a fourth runway at Heathrow after an independent report was concluded. Pro-Heathrow campaigners have also described this decision as ‘gutless’, yet Heathrow representatives have stated they are still confident of meeting all the environmental targets.
Local residents and environmentalists, along with supporters of the ‘Obviously Gatwick’ campaign have however welcomed the decision, arguing the environmental impacts of adding yet more urbanisation to an already densely populated area would have devastating effects for the already highly polluted Hillingdon borough.
The new deadline for a decision on where to build another runway for the South-East has been delayed until 30 June 2016.
