Thames Valley: LEPs back Heathrow expansion plans

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and Enterprise M3 have welcomed the news that ministers have set out final proposals to back Heathrow expansion.

Marking an important milestone in 'building a global Britain', the Government has published the proposed Airports National Policy Statement, backing Heathrow expansion through developing a new north-west runway.

A third runway will address the lack of airport capacity in the South East and give the airport the largest capacity in the UK, supporting the economic growth of the country.

An economic assessment commissioned by the Western Wedge partners* in 2013 highlighted that the expansion of Heathrow would add 35,000 jobs and £3.5 billion of GVA by 2040 to the South East economy. More than 200 of the top 300 companies in the UK are headquartered within a 25-mile radius of Heathrow; the expansion of the airport will help to ensure these companies remain in the area and that Heathrow’s global hub status is sustained.

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP chief executive Tim Smith commented: “The decision to support Heathrow expansion is a positive signal from Cabinet about the UK’s future, global connectivity. As the most productive sub-region in the country, Thames Valley Berkshire’s connectivity is very much its USP and is crucial to maintaining the area’s and UK’s competitive advantage. The LEP has made public its position of support for the expansion of Heathrow since 2012 and this has always been based on sound evidence.”

Enterprise M3 LEP chairman Dave Axam said: “Enterprise M3 has been a strong supporter of Heathrow Expansion in a sustainable manner to support the local economy.  The Enterprise M3 Area has the largest number of foreign owned companies within its area and they are located here due to proximity to Heathrow. Airport expansion will help retain these key businesses and encourage the economy to flourish.”

* Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, Enterprise M3 LEP, Buckinghamshire LEP, Oxfordshire LEP and West London Business