The government has delayed a decision on where to expand airport capacity in south-east England to investigate further potential environmental impacts.
The government has delayed a decision on where to expand airport capacity in south-east England to investigate further potential environmental impacts.
The government had been expected to announce its decision by the end of 2015 after the Airports commission in July shortlisted three options – two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. However, on 10 December, it said further work on the environmental impacts and mitigation measures of each option was needed.
The transport department (DT) said the assessment work would include testing the commission’s air quality analysis against the latest projected future concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and developing measures to mitigate impacts on local people and the environment. The DT expects this work to be completed in the summer.
“The case for aviation expansion is clear, but it’s vitally important we get the decision right so that it will benefit generations to come,” said transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin. “We will undertake more work on environmental impacts, including air quality, noise and carbon.”
