The Heathrow expansion consultation process closes on Wednesday 27 February 2008.

The government consultation paper Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport(pdf) was published on 22 November 2007.

Wednesday 27 February 2008 is the last day to have your say by responding to the consultation.
Complete an online response at www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation.

Heathrow expansion is opposed by the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority, as well as environmental groups and organisations, as well as Ealing Council.

Ealing Council has been encouraging residents to have their say on controversial new plans to change runway use and build a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow Airport.

It has recently been holding a series of public meetings across the borough.

Some of the points to note are:

• 230,000 more flights by 2030 taking annual total to 702,000 flights, almost 50% increase.
• The departure flight path will fly over Southall, Greenford and Northolt.
• Research suggests that people are more sensitive to noise/vibrations than previously thought, even while sleeping.
• The proposal optimisticly assumes that new aircraft technology to produce cleaner, quieter planes can be quickly introduced.
• Ealing Council is a member of the 2M group, a collection of councils that opposes the proposal for a third runway.

It may be good for business but it will be the residents who will have to live with the nasty side affects.

You can sign a petition against the expansion at www.stopheathrowexpansion.org.uk