Minister’s have backed a £33 billion plan to move the M25 so that Heathrow Airport’s third runway can be built.
The Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that Heathrow’s plans are the “most credible and deliverable option” as she rejected a proposal from Arora Group on Tuesday.
She did agree that the scheme will need “major works to the M25” and this means there will be fewer residential properties around the airport that will need to be bought than Arora’s proposals.
There will be a 3,500-meter runway a new tunnel for the M25 with more bridges to be built and 130 metres of the existing motorway.
Alexander said the proposal would still have “a considerable impact” on the M25 in a written statement to Parliament.
A spokesperson for Heathrow said they welcome the government’s decision to expand the airport which will mean “more connectivity, increased trade, improved passenger experience and a huge economic boost for the British businesses that will help design and build it.
They added “further clarity” is required as to how the next phase will be regulated and they are calling for “definitive” decisions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the government.
The third runway will cost an estimated £33 billion plus £1.5 billion to move the motorway, this will be funded privately, it is believed.
The Transport Secretary said this will “allow a decision on a third runway plan this Parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth”.
She added, “We’re acting swiftly and decisively to get this project off the ground so we can realise its transformational potential for passengers, businesses and our economy sooner.
The expansion will see an increase of 756,000 flights and around 150 million passengers per year.
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