Publishes Consultation On Shortlisted Options For Runway Expansions

The U.K. Airports Commission has published for consultation its assessment of proposals for additional runway capacity at Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

The consultation presents the commission’s analysis of the proposals shortlisted by the commission last year: two for expansion at Heathrow Airport and one proposal at Gatwick Airport.

It invites public comment on the commission’s detailed consideration of each proposal. This includes analysis of the cost of each proposal, the effect on communities of noise, property loss and construction, and the economic benefits and environmental impacts.

Buying Business Travel reports that the commission determined that estimates received for each of the options were too low. The second runway at Gatwick would cost some $3.7 billion more than estimated, while the plans for Heathrow were underestimated by $4.76 to $6.35 billion.

"Since our Interim report last year we have undertaken a huge amount of work," said Sir Howard Davies (pictured, above), the head of the commission. "We have carried out a thorough assessment, across a comprehensive range of subjects, looking at the benefits and impacts of each proposal.

We have not yet taken a view on which proposal strikes the most effective balance between the assessment criteria. It is important first that we provide an opportunity for this evidence to be examined, challenged and improved. This consultation gives everyone with an interest in the issue of airport expansion that opportunity.

Responses to this consultation will be a valuable addition to our evidence base and will directly inform our recommendation to the government when we publish our final report in the summer of 2015."

The Commission said on its website that the information included in the consultation will enable respondents to give their view on the strengths and weaknesses of each short-listed option. It also invites comment on the commission’s review of the underlying evidence and analysis. These comments will then be taken into account and used to validate and challenge the commission’s assessments, ahead of the final report in the summer of 2015.

During the consultation the Airports Commission will hold open discussion sessions for local stakeholders in both the Heathrow and Gatwick areas. The consultation will close on February 3, 2015.

FMI: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/airports-commission