Listening to Local Voices: Reflections from the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group

By Dr. Roger Green, Chair – Local Community Forum

Earlier last week, I was invited to attend a meeting of the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group (HBRSG) by Roger Smith the Chair of Trustees & Joint Treasurer of HBRSG, Roger is also a member of the Local Community Forum.

The meeting took place in Isleworth. It was interesting to hear local views on the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, specifically the addition of a third runway. With over 30 people in attendance, the meeting was both well-attended and highly engaged. It became quickly apparent just how many unanswered questions and unresolved concerns are still circulating within the community, particularly among those most likely to be affected by such a major development.

An extensive Q&A followed the main discussion, and I feel it’s important that I share, in the order they were raised, the key issues voiced by residents were not just as a reflection of public sentiment, but as points for serious consideration in the ongoing scrutiny of Heathrow’s expansion plans.

Key Concerns Raised by Residents

1. Uncertainty and Lack of Clarity
   There is widespread frustration about the absence of clear, up-to-date information on the third runway proposal. Residents are asking, very simply: What is going to happen, and when? They want detail and they want it now.

2. Air Quality and Pollution
   Concerns about the health impacts of increased air pollution, especially among those already living with respiratory conditions, were central to the discussion. People are worried that more flights will bring a deterioration in local air quality.

3. Increased Aircraft Noise
   For those already under flight paths and for those who may find themselves newly affected the prospect of increased aircraft noise was a major worry. The emotional and physical toll of constant aircraft noise should not be underestimated.

4. Climate Change and Environmental Responsibility
   There was a strong call for the environmental impact of expansion to be taken seriously. How can such a large-scale increase in air traffic be justified in the face of a climate emergency?

5. Awareness of Aviation Fuel Impacts
   Many felt that consultation efforts must do more to explain the real health impacts of aviation, particularly the effects of aviation fuel on local air quality. Hounslow High Street was cited as an example of an area where this awareness is lacking.

6. Criticism of Past Consultations
   Several attendees voiced disappointment in Heathrow’s previous community engagement efforts. They felt that not all communities were consulted, and that communication was selective and inconsistent.

7. Night Flights and 24-Hour Operation
   A pressing question raised was whether expansion would lead to an increase in night flights, and whether Heathrow is quietly moving toward becoming a 24/7 operation. This uncertainty adds to local anxieties.

8. Operational Clarity for Three Runways
   Residents asked how a three-runway system would operate. Will there be fair and predictable runway alternation? What will this mean for noise-sharing and respite?

9. Noise Mitigation Commitments
   If expansion goes ahead, what concrete steps will Heathrow take to mitigate the increase in aircraft noise? The community is looking for firm, enforceable commitments, not vague promises.

10. Local Transport Improvements
    There was a strong desire to know whether any improvements to local transport infrastructure would accompany the airport’s expansion. The need for new and genuinely beneficial transport links was raised repeatedly.

11. Impact on Council Tax
    Finally, there were questions about the financial implications of expansion for residents. Will council tax go up to support airport-related infrastructure or services? Residents want to know where the money will come from and whether they’ll be expected to contribute.

12. Sufficient parking for increased demand
    Ensuring there will be sufficient parking available to meet the increase in traffic demands.

Conclusion: A Clear Message

This meeting provided a timely reminder of the depth and breadth of public concern around Heathrow’s expansion. These concerns are not new but they are growing more urgent in the absence of clear, honest engagement from decision-makers.

It’s essential that these voices are not just heard but listened to and acted upon. Transparency, accountability, and meaningful consultation must underpin every step of this process.

As Chair of the Local Community Forum, I remain committed to ensuring that these conversations continue and that local communities are not left behind in the decisions being made about their future. Food for thought.

Dr. Roger Green
Chair – Local Community Forum