Richmond Council Opposes Heathrow Expansion 2026

Key Points

• Richmond Council has reaffirmed its strong opposition to any expansion of Heathrow Airport, including a third runway or measures increasing flight numbers or disruption.
• The stance was restated at the Council’s Special Standing Committee on Heathrow meeting on 5 February 2026.
• Councillors reviewed Heathrow’s latest refreshed proposals and the Government’s decision to restart the national policy process.
• Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts stated the position remains unchanged, warning of devastating consequences for residents and the environment.
• Heathrow’s plans are largely unchanged, featuring a 3,500-metre third runway, new terminal infrastructure, and possible mixed mode operations.
• Mixed mode operations would remove vital respite periods for residents under flight paths.
• Local campaign groups raised concerns over noise, air quality, traffic, and quality of life.
• The Government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, with public consultation in summer 2026.
• Heathrow aims to submit its Development Consent Order in 2027, with a final decision possibly by 2029.
• Councillor Roberts pledged continued opposition locally, regionally, and nationally, engaging with Government on environmental issues.
• Richmond Council will enhance joint efforts with neighbouring boroughs, local MPs, and the No 3rd Runway Coalition for reduced night flights and stronger protections.

Richmond upon Thames (South London News) 11 February 2026 – Richmond Council has reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion plans, including a third runway or any increases in flights that could heighten disruption for local residents. This firm position emerged from a key committee meeting on 5 February, amid fresh Government moves to revive the national policy process. Councillor Gareth Roberts, the Council Leader, underscored that expansion would bring catastrophic impacts on communities and the environment.

What Triggered Richmond Council’s Latest Statement?

The Council’s Special Standing Committee on Heathrow convened on 5 February 2026 to scrutinise Heathrow’s refreshed proposals. Councillors assessed these alongside the Government’s announcement to restart the Airports National Policy Statement process. As per the council’s official release, the plans mirror earlier versions, encompassing a 3,500-metre third runway, extensive new terminal builds, and potential mixed mode operations—where runways handle both take-offs and landings all day.

This meeting highlighted Richmond Council’s consistent resistance, rooted in long-standing concerns over local impacts. The committee received input from various local campaign groups, who echoed fears about escalating noise levels, deteriorating air quality, surging traffic, and diminished quality of life for residents.

What Did Council Leader Gareth Roberts Say?

Council Leader Councillor Gareth Roberts articulated the council’s resolute stance during the meeting.

“Richmond Council has been absolutely consistent: expanding Heathrow – whether through a third runway or backdoor increases in flight numbers – will have devastating consequences for our residents and our environment,”

he declared. He criticised the Government’s reboot of the expansion agenda, stating,

“The Government may have chosen to reboot Heathrow’s expansion agenda, but we will not stand by while the noise, pollution and congestion problems our communities already face are made even worse.”

Councillor Roberts further committed to relentless opposition.

“We will continue to oppose this at every level – locally, regionally and nationally,”

he affirmed. “We are already engaging robustly with Government, pressing Ministers to recognise the environmental realities they continue to ignore, and making clear that Heathrow expansion is incompatible with climate commitments, air quality obligations and basic fairness for our residents.”

Why Does Richmond Council Oppose Mixed Mode Operations?

A core objection centres on Heathrow’s proposed mixed mode operations. Councillors were informed that this would eliminate crucial respite periods for thousands living under flight paths. Richmond Council has repeatedly cautioned that such changes would strip away quiet times, intensifying daily disturbances.

Local campaign groups reinforced this during the 5 February meeting, detailing how mixed mode would compound existing burdens. The council views this as a direct threat to resident well-being, aligning with broader worries about a 3,500-metre runway extension and new infrastructure straining west and south west London.

What Are the Timelines for Heathrow Expansion Decisions?

The Government has confirmed a comprehensive review of the Airports National Policy Statement. A public consultation is slated for summer 2026, providing a platform for community voices. Heathrow Airport plans to lodge its Development Consent Order in 2027, potentially leading to a final decision as early as 2029.

These milestones underscore the urgency felt by opponents like Richmond Council. The restarted process revives a contentious debate paused in prior years, placing renewed pressure on local authorities to mobilise.

How Will Richmond Council Collaborate with Others?

Richmond Council pledged intensified cooperation post-meeting. It aims to bolster joint working with neighbouring boroughs, local MPs, and the No 3rd Runway Coalition. Priorities include advocating for fewer night flights and robust protections for communities across west and south west London.

This collaborative approach builds on years of campaigning. Councillor Roberts emphasised pressing ministers on climate incompatibility, air quality duties, and equity for those under flight paths. The council’s strategy spans local, regional, and national fronts, ensuring a united resistance.

What Broader Impacts Are Local Groups Highlighting?

Representatives from local campaign groups addressed the committee, reiterating profound effects of expansion. They focused on heightened noise pollution disrupting sleep and health, worsened air quality exacerbating respiratory issues, and traffic congestion choking roads. Quality of life emerged as a recurring theme, with fears that expansion would erode community tranquillity.

These voices align with Richmond Council’s narrative, painting a picture of unsustainable growth. The groups’ submissions provided vivid testimonials, grounding abstract policy in resident realities.

Why Is Heathrow’s Stance Unchanged Despite Reviews?

Heathrow’s latest proposals, as presented to the committee, remain substantially unaltered from past iterations. The airport persists with ambitions for a third runway, terminal expansions, and operational tweaks like mixed mode. This continuity fuels critics’ arguments that core flaws persist, ignoring prior feedback on environmental and social costs.

Councillors noted the lack of meaningful revisions, reinforcing their opposition. Heathrow’s timeline—targeting a 2027 consent application—signals determination to push forward amid Government reconsideration.

What Government Actions Prompted This Response?

The Government’s decision to relaunch the national policy process directly spurred the 5 February meeting. By committing to a full review and summer 2026 consultation, ministers have signalled expansion remains viable. Richmond Council views this as overlooking entrenched problems like noise, pollution, and congestion.

Councillor Roberts directly challenged this reboot, vowing not to acquiesce. The council’s engagement with ministers highlights a push for realism on climate goals and resident fairness.

How Does This Fit Richmond Council’s Long-Term Campaign?

Richmond Council’s opposition traces back years, predating the latest proposals. It has consistently flagged Heathrow’s effects on its borough, from flight paths over residential zones to spillover pollution. The 5 February restatement reaffirms this legacy, positioning the council as a steadfast defender.

Pledges for cross-borough alliances and coalition ties extend this fight. Night flight reductions and enhanced safeguards form pillars of ongoing advocacy, safeguarding south west London.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Opponents?

Opponents face a protracted battle, with Heathrow eyeing 2027 submissions and 2029 decisions. Public consultation in 2026 offers a key battleground, but Government momentum poses risks. Richmond Council’s multi-level strategy—local committees, regional partnerships, national lobbying—aims to counter this.

Environmental imperatives, including net-zero pledges, bolster their case. Yet, economic arguments for expansion persist, testing the coalition’s resolve.

This development resonates deeply in Richmond upon Thames, where flight paths shadow daily life. As the Government consultation looms, Councillor Roberts’ words echo: expansion clashes with climate realities and community rights. The council’s unyielding posture signals a fierce defence, rooted in resident welfare and ecological duty. Neighbouring areas watch closely, anticipating ripple effects.