Home Uncategorized UK High Court rejects Heathrow third-runway challenge

UK High Court rejects Heathrow third-runway challenge

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The UK High Court has dismissed five legal challenges against the government’s plans to add a third runway at London Heathrow Airport.

In fall 2018, the UK transport secretary selected a third Heathrow runway–situated to the northwest of the current two runways–as the preferred option for new airport capacity in southeasr England

This decision was met with legal challenges from five local constituencies, the Mayor of London, several environmental bodies (including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Plan B Earth), one individual claimant and the promoters of a rival Heathrow scheme that sought to double the length of the northern runway (the ENR Scheme).

“On May 1, 2019, the court handed down two judgments, one dealing with 22 grounds of challenge in the first four claims; and the second judgment dealing with the five grounds of claim in the fifth claim. All of the claims were, in the event, dismissed,” the court said.

The claims–which centered on climate change, air quality, surface access, habitats and treatment of bidders–were heard during two consecutive hearings to establish whether they were arguable.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the ruling was “a further demonstration that the debate on Heathrow expansion has been had and won, not only in parliament, but in the courts also.”

However, London Assembly environment committee chair Caroline Russell insisted that the third runway is “still not the right course for London or the environment”, reiterating the implications for noise and air pollution.

“We again call on the government to cancel Heathrow expansion plans before more money is spent and more damage is done,” Russell said.

London Assembly transport committee chair Caroline Pidgeon also described the High Court judgement as “bitterly disappointing.”

Conversely, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which represents over 190,000 businesses, welcomed the news.

“This clear ruling is another important step towards bringing 50 years of indecision and delay on expanding Heathrow to a welcome close,” CBI infrastructure and energy director Tom Thackray said. “Firms know we can’t wait any longer for the growth in trade we need.”

On May 1, Heathrow also released its first quarter financial results. During the three months ended March 31, Heathrow handled 17.9 million passengers–up 1.4% year-on-year—but revenue fell 0.1% to £679 million ($882 million).

Airport charges declined 2.4% to £22.13 per passenger, but higher retail spending resulted led to a 1% increase to adjusted EBITDA, which stood at £406 million for the quarter.

Heathrow has raised over £1 billion to privately fund the expansion, which is expected to add 40 new long-haul services to the airport’s existing network of over 210 direct destinations.

“Following a successful consultation on modernizing the airspace around Heathrow in Q1, Heathrow is preparing to unveil its detailed preferred masterplan for public consultation in June,” the airport said.

Source: ATW

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