Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Deferred
Government failed to address concerns over regional economic impact of South East airport expansion.
Conclusion
We heard concerns that if airport expansion is focused around the South East of England it could concentrate wider growth in those regions. This could be detrimental to the aviation and airport sectors, and the local economy, around the rest of the United Kingdom. Whilst there were representations from regional airports in support of South East expansion, we are concerned that the Government to date has not adequately addressed these former concerns. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22)
Government Response Summary
The government's response deflects by discussing the review of air quality limits and other environmental assessments for Heathrow expansion, with consultations in summer 2026, without addressing the committee's concern about the regional concentration of economic growth.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As part of the ANPS review, DfT is considering how the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion, including air quality, should be set. The review will consider changes in legislation, policy and data since the ANPS was designated in 2018 and will consider all key air quality pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The mitigations for air quality impacts will be determined as part of the review process, and if any amends are made to the existing ANPS, they will be subject to consultation in summer 2026. The Government is also reviewing, and updating as necessary, the existing Appraisal of Sustainability, Habitats Regulations Assessment, Health Impact Analysis and Equalities Impact Analysis, in line with any amendments made to the ANPS. These assessments also consider air quality impacts, and include mitigations and proposed monitoring, and will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS. As noted above, any promoter will need to demonstrate how a scheme complies with the requirements set through the ANPS as part of its DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.