Heathrow Expansion

Any application for a third runway at Heathrow will need to be considered in accordance with adopted planning policy. Currently, the Government is updating this policy by undertaking a consultation on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement (the "HENPS") This consultation ends on the 1st September 2026

The Government will be assessing whether the proposed expansion is capable of meeting the four tests of climate change, noise, air quality and economic growth.

After adoption of the HENPS, the next step will be for the airport's owners to lodge an application for a development consent order. This is expected at the end of 2027 and after this, there is an opportunity to lodge representations with the Planning Inspectorate. There will then be an examination which lasts for six months and will involve a number of public hearings at the end of which, the Inspectorate will submit a recommendation report to the Secretary of State who makes the decision. "

Details of the consultation can be found here:

www.heathrowexpansionwatch.org and www.heathrow.com/expansion

20 August 2026