Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Deferred
Update Airports National Policy Statement with coherent plan, specific environmental limits, and cumulative impacts
Recommendation
The Government should update the Airports National Policy Statement no later than six months after the publication of this report. The updated Statement should: • set out a coherent plan from Government about the airport and aviation system that takes into account wider innovations such as flight path modernisation and airport capacity around the whole of the UK, • include specific, measurable limits for key aspects of air pollution, noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, • set out how the Development Consent Order process will account for cumulative environmental impacts from airports across a wide area to provide a holistic picture of the aviation system and ensure that all parallel airport expansion is sustainable. (Recommendation, Paragraph 69) Plans to mitigate environmental impacts of airport expansion
Government Response Summary
The government has begun a review of the ANPS and expects to consult on a revised ANPS by July 2026 if amendments are needed, significantly deferring the committee's recommended six-month timeline.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
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.