Wandsworth Council stands with residents against Heathrow third runway expansion

The impact of Heathrow on Wandsworth residents is significant. Communities across Balham, Battersea, Clapham Common, Putney, Tooting, and Wandsworth Town face increased noise pollution due to the loss of runway alternation on the existing runways. This will result in aircraft overhead for more hours each day when westerly operations are in place, with no respite after 3pm. The reduced length of the new runway will force larger, noisier aircraft to use the existing full-length runways, further exacerbating the disruption.  

In 2019, Wandsworth helped lead a cross-party coalition of other councils, consisting of Richmond, Hillingdon, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Hammersmith and Fulham. This group, working with the Mayor of London and climate charities, challenged the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement, arguing that it failed to adequately consider the environmental implications or align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Although the High Court initially ruled in our favour, Heathrow’s appeal to the Supreme Court reversed this decision. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to opposing any airport expansion that exceeds the current cap of 480,000 annual flights. 

For Balham residents, the loss of runway alternation on the two existing runways would mean aircraft coming in overhead for a much bigger part of the day, while Putney will also face significant noise increases from larger and noisier aircraft. These changes threaten to damage residents' quality of life.  

Find out more about predicted impacts on your area. 

Council Leader, Simon Hogg, said: 

“We cannot stand by and let Heathrow have a green light to enact such unwelcome changes on our communities. The third runway not only threatens our environment but will also severely affect the day-to-day lives of thousands of Wandsworth residents. This fight is about protecting their quality of life, holding the Government accountable for its climate promises, and ensuring a sustainable future for our borough. We will work tirelessly alongside our coalition partners to oppose these plans.” 

Wandsworth Council urges the Government and Heathrow Airport to prioritise sustainable alternatives and consider the voices of the thousands of residents who will be directly impacted. 

For further details, visit our pages on our long-standing campaign against the third runway: 

• Campaign Against Heathrow’s Third Runway 
• Costs of the Third Runway