Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Airport expansion hinders air quality targets; ANPS fails to account for pollution impact.
Conclusion
Whilst air pollution around Heathrow has reduced in recent years due to cleaner aircraft and road vehicles, airport expansion will make it harder for Governments, both national and local, to deliver on air quality targets. The Airports National Policy Statement fails to sufficiently account for the impact airport expansion will have on air pollution. (Conclusion, Paragraph 49)
Government Response Summary
The government stated that as part of the ANPS review, DfT is considering how air quality tests for Heathrow expansion should be set, reviewing changes in legislation/policy/data, and determining mitigations for air quality impacts, with consultation in summer 2026.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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.