More than 100 people attended a Richmond Council event in Twickenham to discuss Heathrow Airport expansion proposals, with residents raising concerns about aircraft noise, air quality and the potential impact of a third runway on local communities.

The Community Conversation, held at York House and online last night (Thursday, 23 July), focused on the Government's consultation on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.

Residents questioned councillors, local MPs and representatives from campaign group No Third Runway about the proposals, highlighting concerns over aircraft noise, carbon emissions, night flights and air pollution.

Attendees also spoke about the effect they believe uncertainty over Heathrow's future has had on local communities and raised concerns about the potential impact on mental health.

Following the meeting, Richmond Council leader Cllr Gareth Roberts said: "Residents were clear that expansion is not just about airport capacity or flight numbers - it is about more noise over communities and tranquil green spaces, more disturbed nights, more pressure on people's physical and mental health, poorer air quality and higher carbon emissions at a time when we should be cutting pollution, not locking in more of it.

"These are not abstract concerns. They are the experiences of our communities, who already endure the daily impact of Heathrow.

"Our position remains clear: London deserves a better Heathrow, not a bigger one."

Richmond Council has long opposed Heathrow expansion and says feedback gathered during the event will help shape its response to the Government consultation.

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The authority has also criticised the timing of the consultation, which runs until 1 September during the summer holiday period, arguing this gives residents less opportunity to scrutinise the proposals.

The panel at the event included Cllr Gareth Roberts, Cllr Julia Neden-Watts and Cllr Phil Giesler, alongside Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney, Twickenham MP Munira Wilson, Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury, and representatives from the No Third Runway coalition.

Residents can submit their own views as part of the Government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement consultation before it closes on 1 September.

Richmond Council said it will continue working with neighbouring boroughs, MPs and community groups in its opposition to any expansion plans it believes would increase aircraft noise, pollution and carbon emissions for local communities.

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