Heathrow plans cause environmental fears for park

Richmond Park is shortlisted among 150 possible new flight paths

Heathrow Airport's proposed plans to increase the number of planes flying over Richmond Park in south-west London have raised environmental concerns.

The proposals are part of Heathrow's "airspace modernisation" plans, which aim to create "quicker, quieter, and cleaner journeys".

An analysis conducted by the Friends of Richmond Park found that, under the current proposals, up to 60,000 arrival flights could fly over the park.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: "No decisions have been made on which flight path options could be adopted or discarded from the recently published shortlist."

Critics are concerned about potential damage to the area's biodiversity and worsened noise pollution for nearby residents.

Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat leader on the London Assembly, emphasised the potential impact, saying: "These proposals raise valid environmental questions that need careful consideration."

A motion put forward for debate by Ms Pidgeon, in the London Assembly, addresses the absence of a "Status Quo / Do Minimum" option in Heathrow's submission.

If passed, it will call on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to reject the latest version of Heathrow's plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service .

Ms Pidgeon added: "We must ensure that we prioritize the protection of Richmond Park and London's communities from increased flight paths."

The Heathrow airport spokesperson added: "We have committed to play our part in the Government's Airspace Modernisation Strategy."

The spokesman also mentioned the importance of detailed environmental assessments and full community consultation.

Heathrow Airport clarified that the airspace modernisation proposals were distinct from its plans for a third runway, which has been paused due to the pandemic.

Javier Echave, Heathrow's chief financial officer, suggested a potential re-evaluation of the third runway plan in the near future.