In 2007, almost 68 million passengers used Heathrow, with demand continuing to rise. Today, Heathrow is full with its two runways operating at 98.5% of permitted capacity. In 2008 it will reach its planning and operational limit of 480,000 flights.   

We believe that the case for growth at Heathrow is compelling, but we have always realised that this should not go ahead at any environmental cost. The Government has stated that airport expansion will only happen if strict limits for noise and air quality can be met. 

In 2007 the Government published the results of its environmental assessment showing that those limits can be met. It also held a public consultation on future growth that has now closed. 

Our approach

While we try to minimise the negative impacts of expansion at Heathrow as much as possible, factors like depreciation of house prices, known as blight, are sometimes impossible to avoid. We have two schemes to compensate homeowners:

The Property Market Support Bond: was introduced to protect local property values inside the expanded boundary of a three-runway Heathrow. It provides a bond to homeowners that guarantees the value of their property, so that they can buy and sell houses in the area knowing that the property prices will not be affected by blight.

The Home Owner Support Scheme: protects property values within an area forecast to fall within a 66 dBA noise contour of a new runway. Since the intention to apply for planning permission is announced, the scheme allows property owners who wish to move and have been unable to sell their property for a price within 15% of the market value, to sell their property to BAA at un-blighted price.

More information about our schemes