Noise from third Heathrow runway will affect 2m people

MORE than two million people will be exposed to extra aircraft noise when the third runway at Heathrow is built, according to an official analysis.

Department for Transport documents show the Government expects 973,000 households around Heathrow to experience increased daytime noise – equivalent to 2.2million people.

Ministers have previously argued that quieter planes mean that fewer residents will be affected by aircraft noise in future.

The analysis was obtained under a Freedom of Information request and led to accusations that the Government was concealing the impact of a third runway.

Paul Mcguinness, the chairman of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, told the Guardian: “It has long been clear that the DFT have understated the numbers who will be impacted by an expanded Heathrow’s noise. So it’s hardly surprising to learn that these calculations were not presented to the public and Parliament. The DFT wishes to conceal the true impact of expanding this highly disruptive airport.”

The Department for Transport said increased noise would be addressed by home insulation and compensation. “We have been clear that expansion at Heathrow would not be allowed to proceed without a world-class package of compensation and mitigation measures for local communities,” a spokesperson said.

“This includes noise insulation for homes and community buildings and a community compensation fund worth up to £50million per year.

Heathrow insisted fewer people would be affected by noise than at present, even with another runway.

“We stand by our commitment to expand Heathrow while reducing the number of people affected by noise, compared to today.”