Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Deferred
Government updating ANPS; Heathrow airport expansion decision linked to new ANPS publication.
Conclusion
The Government has confirmed that it is updating the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). We welcome the letter from the then Aviation Minister, Mike Kane MP, to the Committee following his appearance which confirmed that the Heathrow decision would not be taken before the new ANPS is published. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Government Response Summary
The government's response deflects from the committee's welcome of the ANPS update and Heathrow decision delay, instead detailing the review of noise impacts for Heathrow expansion, with mitigations and consultations planned for summer 2026.
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 for noise, should be set. The review is considering changes in legislation, policy and data since the ANPS was designated in 2018, including the most up-to-date evidence on the noise impacts of aviation. The mitigations for noise impacts will be determined as part of the review process, and if any amendments are made to the existing ANPS, they will be subject to consultation in summer 2026. As set out in response to Recommendation 3, 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 noise impacts, and include mitigations and proposed monitoring, and will be subject to consultation alongside any amended ANPS. As noted above, any promoter would need to demonstrate how a scheme complies with the requirements set in the ANPS as part of its DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.