Local concerns could be ignored on Heathrow expansion warns London Councils  

Plans to expand Heathrow could be pushed through despite major concerns from local residents and councils if a proposed new planning quango is introduced - warns London Councils.

The warning comes ahead of an adjournment debate today (Friday) on the plans for a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow.

London Councils is not against airport expansion if absolutely necessary but is opposed to current plans to expand Heathrow. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson also reaffirmed his opposition to expansion of the airport in a meeting with borough leaders earlier this week.

London Councils is particularly concerned that the government could use its proposals in the new Planning Bill for an Infrastructure Planning Commission to ignore local opposition and force through Heathrow expansion.