Residents have their say on Heathrow expansion

Wandsworth Council organised the cross-party event to make sure local voices are heard as part of the airport’s current consultation on a proposed third runway - and to encourage residents to reply directly to Heathrow’s official consultation.

Wandsworth Council remains opposed to Heathrow expansion and is a member of the No 3^rd Runway Coalition.

The event at All Saints Church on Putney Common brought residents together to discuss what Heathrow’s proposals could mean for people who live, work and study in Wandsworth, including the potential impact of aircraft noise, reduced respite from flights, night-flying, air quality, and pressure on the transport network.

Residents put questions directly to the panel and shared their own experiences and views on what a bigger, busier Heathrow Airport would mean to them.

Panel: Paul Beckford from the No 3rd Runway Campaign

'The case has not been made'

Questions from attendees were answered by Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council; Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney; Cllr Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment; Paul Beckford from the No 3rd Runway Campaign; and Mike Fawcett from the Putney Society.

Cllr Robert Morritt said: “We want to make sure Wandsworth residents have the opportunity to discuss what Heathrow’s plans could mean for them, ask questions and, most importantly, have their voices heard.

“People in Wandsworth already live with aircraft noise and disruption so the prospect of significantly more flights raises very serious questions about noise, sleep, air quality, our transport network and people’s health and quality of life.

“We remain firmly opposed to a third runway. The case has not been made that the claimed benefits of expansion justify the additional impacts it could have on places like Putney and wider Wandsworth.

“Thank you to everyone who came along and shared their experiences with us. We will take into account what residents have told us as we prepare the council’s response to Heathrow’s consultation, and I strongly encourage all our residents and businesses to submit their own views too.”

Visit the Heathrow Airport consultation website to send your views 

Heathrow’s current consultation runs until 22 December 2026, detailing expansion proposals, including the proposed third runway and associated airport infrastructure, changes to the M25 and local roads, surface access, construction arrangements, environmental effects and proposed mitigation.

No planning permission for the third runway has yet been granted.