An official health impact analysis warns that plans for Heathrow’s proposed third runway are likely to have significant adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of people living close to the airport. The assessment, prepared for the Department for Transport, concludes that expansion could produce “major adverse” impacts on the most local population, with estimates covering up to around 3 million residents in nearby areas.
The analysis also says the effects are not limited to health outcomes. It indicates that a larger Heathrow footprint could worsen access to housing, education, healthcare, open spaces and transport for communities affected by the expansion.
The government is proceeding with the next stage of what it describes as a rapid airport expansion programme, including related national policy and consultation steps. Heathrow has issued responses to the draft policy statement, while ministers and political figures have discussed the policy direction.
The warnings are part of the formal planning and policy process, where potential impacts are assessed before any final decision on the runway proposal.
