Heathrow airport expansion wins govt approval

Britain’s government on Tuesday approved plans to build a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport after a contentious battle, according to The Associated Press. 

{mosads}The decision comes despite fierce protests from anti-expansion groups, which raised concerns about air pollution, noise and the destruction of homes that would result from the new runway.

Supporters say the expansion will help London and southeastern England meet growing demand from business travelers and tourists in the region.

The cabinet committee rebuffed other proposals to expand airport capacity, such as extending an existing runway at Heathrow or building another runway at Gatwick Airport, according to the AP.

“The step that government is taking today is truly momentous,” Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said. “I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the U.K.’s place in the global aviation market.”

Under the plan — which still needs to be studied and approved by Parliament — entire communities would be leveled to expand Heathrow, which is about 15 miles from central London. Compensation and related costs could total up to $3.2 billion, according to the news service.

“This is Harmondsworth. This is our little green here,” said Neil Keveran, who has pushed against Heathrow expansion for years. “Nowhere else in Europe do they build their runways directly in the heart of residential areas over their cities, so I don’t see why our quality of life should be any less.”