DfT Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS): Consultation on Proposed Amendments
Consultation Overview
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), formerly known as the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS).
This consultation seeks views on the need for a third runway, and the conditions that promoters will need to meet to make a successful planning application to expand Heathrow Airport through the construction of a Northwest Runway and associated infrastructure. The proposed amendments update the original 2018 ANPS policy to reflect changes in legislation, Government priorities and the latest evidence.
The Government has stated that the revised HENPS will be underpinned by four key tests for expansion: economic growth, climate change, air quality and noise.
Why This Consultation Matters to CISHA
Major transport infrastructure projects have far-reaching implications for businesses, communities, investors and the wider UK economy.
This is your chance to have your say on the need for a 3rd runway and the terms on which it should go ahead.
The HENPS sets out government’s belief that a 3rd Runway is needed, and the planning framework against which any future Development Consent Order (DCO) application for Heathrow expansion would be assessed. This presents an important opportunity for residents, businesses, local authorities, infrastructure professionals, community groups, and other stakeholders to help influence national policy before it is finalised.
Areas of Interest for local communities
CISHA encourages you to consider how the proposed amendments may affect your organisations, sectors and communities. Areas of particular interest include:
The case for the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport
The four tests which must be met for expansion to proceed:
Air quality
Noise
Climate change mitigation
Economic growth across the country
Mitigation measures for local environmental impacts.
Definition of night flights
Whether the compensation for affected residents is fair
Requirements for surface access
Equalities impacts
How to have your voice heard
The government has said “it will give greater weight to responses that are based on argument and evidence, rather than simple expressions of support or opposition, and those that provide reference to the specific sections of the draft HENPS to which their comments relate”.
So we encourage respondents to makeevidence-based responses that draw on their practical experience and local knowledge
What the Consultation Covers
The Government is seeking views on whether the proposed amendments provide an appropriate planning framework for Heathrow expansion. The consultation considers a range of issues, including:
The overall case for expansion of Heathrow airport: is there a strategic need?
Climate change and carbon emissions.
Air quality.
Aircraft noise.
Surface transport.
Environmental protection.
Community impacts and compensation.
Economic benefits.
Planning policy updates since 2018.
Respondents are invited to answer as many or as few of the consultation questions as they wish.
Consultation Timeline
Date Milestone
18 June 2026 Consultation opens
1 September 2026 Consultation closes (11:59pm)
Autumn 2026 Government reviews consultation responses
Following Parliamentary scrutiny Government decision on the final Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement
Why Your Response Matters
CISHA encourages members, partners and stakeholders to participate in this consultation. Responses from communities, local business, local government, professional bodies and affected communities can help ensure that the final Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement reflects their practical experience, and helps parliament and government make informed decisions to balance national infrastructure needs with local impacts.Engaging at this stage provides an opportunity to influence the conditions that expansion must meet if it is to go ahead, and efore any future application for Heathrow expansion is submitted.
We are waiting to hear from the Department for Transport about whether local events will be available.
Respond to the Consultation
The consultation is open to businesses, local authorities, industry organisations, infrastructure professionals, community groups, environmental organisations and members of the public.
If you cannot use the online form, email or post your response to:
Email to: henpsconsultation@dft.gov.uk
Write to:
Airports National Policy Statement Review Team
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London, SW1P 4DR
All responses must be submitted by 11:59pm on 1 September 2026.