Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Current airport planning approach lacks strategic UK-wide consideration and scrutiny.
Recommendation
The Government should be taking a more strategic approach that should consider wider growth and planning across the whole of the UK. Finally, we are very disappointed that this approach does not allow proper consideration and scrutiny of airport expansion proposals in the light of the new ANPS. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation by detailing an ongoing review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which began in October. This review will consider changes in legislation and policy, assess cumulative environmental impacts, include updated aviation forecasts for various airports, and ensure parliamentary scrutiny, thereby adopting a more strategic approach.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The review of the ANPS, which commenced in October, will take into consideration changes to legislation, policy and data, and the scheme decision announced in November. It will also ensure that any proposed scheme meets the Government’s four tests for Heathrow expansion on economic growth, air quality, noise commitments and climate change. In addition, as part of the ANPS review, the existing Appraisal of Sustainability, Habitats Regulation Assessment, Equality Impact Assessment and Health Impact Analysis will be reviewed and updated in line with any proposed amendments made to the ANPS. The ANPS review and associated assessments will consider the latest available information on airspace modernisation and cumulative environmental impacts. It will be informed by updated aviation demand and carbon forecasts which will take into account potential airport capacities at Heathrow and other airports. If amendments are needed as a result of the review, DfT expects to consult on a revised ANPS, as well as the supporting assessments, by July 2026. This will provide an important opportunity for stakeholders and communities to have their say. An amended ANPS would also be laid before Parliament and be subject to scrutiny by the appropriate Select Committee. Any DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport would be carefully considered in line with the relevant planning processes and would need to comply with the requirements set out in any revised ANPS, as well as other relevant planning legislation.