Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the community impact consultation being conducted by Heathrow Airport on its expansion plans.

Heathrow Airport Limited are currently undertaking a public consultation on their plans to develop a Northwest Runway and associated infrastructure involving 40 events and sending information to approximately 2.7 million households. This is a statutory consultation, which should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act 2008 and associated legislation and guidance.

The assessment of the adequacy of the consultation, being conducted by Heathrow Airport Limited on its expansion plans, is something which the Secretary of State would consider as part of making a decision on whether or not to accept an application for development consent by that company. In making that decision the Secretary of State is statutorily bound to have regard to the consultation report accompanying the application, as well as other matters, such as any responses from local authority consultees about the adequacy of the consultation. That report has not been produced yet and the consultation is ongoing.

It would be premature to comment on the adequacy of Heathrow Airport Limited’s consultation at this time, but it is something that would be carefully considered in the event of an application for an order granting development consent being made.