UK launches draft NPS for planning policy framework at London Heathrow Airport

UK's Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling presented (02-Feb-2017) the Government's draft "Airports National Policy Statement (NPS): new runway capacity and infrastructure at airports in the South East of England". The NPS, formally open for comment until 25-May-2017, lays down planning policy frameworks London Heathrow Airport must comply with to receive development consent. Although the NPS will apply only to England, the government is consulting across the UK, "Given the national significance" of the project. Compliance measures for Heathrow comprise:

• Adding six more domestic routes across the UK by 2030, specifically Belfast International, Durham Tees Valley, Glasgow Prestwick, Humberside, Liverpool and Newquay.
• Providing a "world class" package of support for communities affected by expansion, including noise insulation, worth up to GBP2.6 billion;
• Applying legally binding noise targets, periods of "predictable respite" and a ban of six and a half hours on scheduled night flights;
• Remaining within existing air quality limits and climate change obligations;
• Implementing measures to deliver on its commitments of no increase in airport related road traffic and more than half of passengers using public transport to access the airport.

Mr Grayling said, "Leaving the EU is a new chapter for Britain and provides us with a great opportunity to forge a new role in the world...We are sending a clear signal that when we leave the EU, we are open for business". A final airports NPS is expected to be laid before Parliament for debate and vote in winter 2017/18. [more - original PR - I] [more - original PR - II]