Statement from CISHA following Thursday’s submission to the UK Government by expansion scheme promoters.

Today’s submission to HM Government by both Heathrow Airport Ltd and Arora Group of their respective proposals for a third runway at Heathrow ends a long period of uncertainty since the halting of the previous expansion process.

These applications, and any others, of course, generate new uncertainty, but that is in the context of an established process where there are multiple opportunities for communities and stakeholders to make their opinions known.

Throughout this period, CISHA will ensure that community voices are heard through its expansion process, focused body the Heathrow Community Engagement Board (HCEB). To that end, we have 5 broad areas of delivery.

(1) To ensure communities and stakeholders are provided with information in a timely, clear, and comprehensive manner.      

(2) To provide communities and stakeholders with access to independent expert advice and guidance to help them respond to planning and other consultations.

(3) To create opportunities for dialogue between all parties.

(4) To ensure that dialogue is respectful and measured.

(5) To improve the reach of consultation, so that it is as representative as possible, geographically and demographically.

Since the start of the year, our independent Chair, Tracey Waltho, has enhanced our team and advanced work on our engagement plan. That includes the launch, today, of a dedicated website which focuses exclusively on matters relating to expansion.

www.heathowexpansionwatch.org

Commenting, Mark Izatt, Deputy Chair of CISHA said; “Today’s submissions, for the first time since the Government’s announcement earlier this year, add substance to the intent of expanding Heathrow Airport through the addition of a third runway. The weeks, months, and years ahead will see an unfolding process during which we are committed to helping communities and stakeholders engage and respond to plans. That starts with the launch of our dedicated website today and will continue with a digital engagement plan and a series of meetings and opportunities for dialogue later in the year. In the early stages, specifically around the Airports National Policy Statement.”

You can download the full statement by clicking here.