South East: Enterprise M3 LEP delighted with Davies report backing Heathrow expansion

The Enterprise M3 LEP is delighted with the recommendation for Heathrow expansion by the Airports Commission because of the major economic benefit this will deliver to the area.

The Enterprise M3 LEP, which stretches from mid and North Hampshire to South West Surrey, has welcomed the Davies Commission report into aviation capacity.  The announcement recommends a third runway at London Heathrow, which will give it the largest capacity in the UK, supporting the economic growth of the country.

Geoff French CBE, chair of Enterprise M3 LEP, said: “The backing of Heathrow expansion by the Davies Commission is exactly what our businesses stated they needed and we are delighted that our arguments in support of this option have been listened to. But we now urgently need government to take a decision to put an end to the years of waiting.”

He went on to stress, “The success of the Enterprise M3 economy in Hampshire and Surrey depends heavily on the strong links to Heathrow airport. This area is one of the highest performing economies in the UK, and one of the key factors that underpins this success is our proximity to Heathrow Airport. This strong and resilient economy offers opportunities for growth which cannot be realised without additional capacity at Heathrow.

“Locally, nearly 10,000 Enterprise M3 LEP area residents work at Heathrow, and with additional jobs created with the proposed expansion, this could rise to 25,000 jobs.  Improved rail connections to the west and south will increase this employment potential even more.  These infrastructure improvements now need to be brought forward and delivered as soon as possible, so that the existing airport can function effectively and be ready for its expanded role.  In particular the Government should firmly commit to the delivery of a southern rail access to Heathrow as soon as possible.

“The expansion of Heathrow has the support of our businesses because it will bring better connections to emerging markets, more tourists and support exporters and UK businesses to grow. Additionally I’m very pleased to see the report proposes a package of measures to reduce the environmental and noise effects.

“I am pleased that the issue of increased aviation capacity is being addressed, it is now of paramount importance that the Government quickly considers the Commission’s recommendation and makes a firm announcement that this scheme will be delivered, reducing uncertainty about where extra capacity will be and therefore removing barriers to potential growth.”