Response to Airports Commission report

Heathrow Airport

Following the release today of the Airports Commission’s report on expanding capacity, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning Mike Goodman said: “While we recognise the economic case for expanding either Heathrow or Gatwick, we can only support expansion if it is accompanied by the necessary investment in local infrastructure and environmental issues are addressed.

“That is why we welcome the Airports Commission’s recognition of the need for a major investment in local transport and would expect to see funding for more than just proposed noise reduction measures to come to councils. Investment in infrastructure has to go beyond transport. Only then can residents be certain to see the extra housing, school places and services that will be necessary for a project promising more than 70,000 new jobs but also resulting in the relocation of at least 800 homes.”