Heathrow reveals expansion ‘masterplan’

Architects' visualisation of expanded Heathrow — Image caption The architects’ visualisation of Heathrow’s planned expansion shows the third runway, new terminals and carparks

Heathrow Airport will construct a third runway by 2026 and complete its expansion by 2050, according to its “masterplan” published on Tuesday.

The plan includes diverting rivers, moving roads and rerouting the M25 through a tunnel under the new runway.

Heathrow’s expansion has faced fierce opposition, but the airport says it has engaged with local communities and other stakeholders.

The proposals are now open to public consultation until 13 September.

The masterplan is illustrated in a visualisation from the architects, showing the M25 running in a tunnel underneath the new runway.

It proposes a staggered approach with the new runway to be built in the first phase by 2026, with the rest of the airport infrastructure – including new terminals and access – to be complete by around 2050.

Image caption Heathrow Airport’s proposed expansion

Local and environmental groups have argued that expanding Heathrow and building a third runway would mean unacceptable levels of noise and pollution, as well as adding to the UK’s carbon emissions from the increased number of flights.

In response to those criticisms, the plan also outlines a new low-emission zone for the airport, meaning additional charges for those who drive a more polluting vehicle to the airport.

Heathrow says it is pursuing better public transport links and is proposing a longer respite at night providing local communities with six and a half undisturbed hours without a flight.

“We have been working with partners at the airport, in local communities and in government to ensure our plans show how we can grow sustainably and responsibly – with environmental considerations at the heart of expansion,” said Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow’s executive director for expansion.

Analysis: By Tom Burridge, BBC transport correspondent

Another hurdle crossed in a long-running saga

In the past year Heathrow’s third runway has won the backing of Parliament and survived multiple challenges in the High Court.

This blueprint for expansion is the fruit of that success and represents an important step towards the day when the bulldozers will start their work.

And importantly, the frontrunner to become the next prime minister has indicated he won’t lie down in front of them. Boris Johnson said exactly that just four years ago. He seems to have changed his mind.

A three-month public consultation on these plans is the final step before the airport submits a planning application.

Assuming all goes to plan, work will begin on the runway in early 2022.

But Heathrow’s blueprint on expansion stretches to 2050, well beyond the runway’s planned opening in 2026.

The airport also plans extensive work to terminals 2 and 5, as well as consolidating all existing car parks into one single site to the south of the airport and then building a new one to the north at a later date.

Total private investment in the airport over the next two decades is forecast to be in the region of £30bn.

The government agreed last year to back the scheme for expanding Heathrow.

Last month campaigners, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, lost a High Court challenge against that decision.

This week environmental protest group, Extinction Rebellion, called off plans to disrupt operations at Heathrow to coincide with the announcement of its expansion plans.

The public will be able to have their say on the plans via a website and at 43 “consultation events” during the 12-week period.

The first phase of the privately-funded expansion – to deliver the new runway – is expected to cost £14bn. The total cost is expected to be in the region of £30bn.

Ms Gilthorpe said she hoped to “have spades in the ground” by early 2022.