Specialist compulsory purchase solicitor, Catherine Hibbert, discusses the plans for the expansion of Heathrow Airport, and how this could affect existing landowners.
Holmes & Hills Solicitors is currently advising a number of property and land owners who could potentially be affected by the Heathrow Airport Expansion Scheme, an NSIP project led by Heathrow Airport Limited. This project has a history dating back over a decade but substantively to a recommendation of a north-west runway in July 2015 – with consultation and policy statements made throughout 2018 and 2019 before being put “on ice” between 2020 and 2024 (as the airport, like with other businesses, focused upon viability during and business recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic).
The Government has identified the expansion of Heathrow as “at the heart of the UK’s economic prospects”. As above, the plans date back many years and over several terms of parliament. The proposals are considered to be necessary to support connectivity within and beyond the UK to provide trade, employment and transport opportunities.
And it is said that the scheme is not about a choice between the economy and environment.; as Heathrow believe that the scheme will support economic growth whilst at the support net zero cardon emissions by 2050 through, for example, incentivising efficiencies in airspace use and access to public transport.
An announcement from Heathrow Airport Limited on 1 August 2025 confirmed that it has now submitted to Government a proposal to expand Heathrow Airport by the addition of;
The £49b investment, involving the tunnelling of a section of the M25 under the new runway, could - they say - be delivered within as little as 10 years.
Development Consent for this Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project will need to be secured to authorise the proposal. Once the formal application for development consent has been accepted, details about the scheme will be made publicly available and a timetable will be set for a public examination which will consider the arguments and evidence for and against the proposal. Interested parties, including those with land affected by the proposals, will have the opportunity to participate in this process.
Heathrow Airport Expansion scheme updates
Specialist CPO lawyers at Holmes & Hills are following the scheme closely, and will continue to advise and update clients as to the key decisions and announcements, as and when appropriate.
It was announced on 22 October 2025 that the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) review has been launched. This includes an Appraisal of Sustainability (AoS), alongside a Habitats Regulations Assessment and other necessary technical work.
On 25 November 2025 the Department for Transport confirmed in a press release that Heathrow Airport’s proposal will shape the review of the ANPS (see the October Update) and thus reflects a further notable development in/of the Scheme.
The current expectation is that proposals to revise the ANPS will be subject to consultation in Summer 2026, with further details – to include the length of the new runway, its layout and associated infrastructure – being made available at that time (but potentially with modifcatons throughout the life of the ANPS review).
A copy of the press release is here: Heathrow Airport Limited’s third runway proposal will be basis for expansion - GOV.UK
Holmes & Hills continue to monitor this scheme for our clients and interested parties.
Call us on 01206 593933 today to speak with one of our CPO solicitors. Or complete the form below.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice. The information given in this article is correct at the date of publication.
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