Residents' Group Looks into Local Impact of Heathrow Expansion

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Submissions invited to H&F Commission before public meeting in December

A group of dedicated local residents has been tasked with investigating the possible impact of Heathrow Airport expansion on Hammersmith & Fulham.

Expected increases in noise and pollution will be among the issues looked at by the H&F Commission, which was established by H&F Council at a public meeting on Tuesday, November 4.

It will be led by Christina Smyth, a longstanding Hammersmith resident and experienced former civil servant, supported by resident representatives from different parts of the borough.

The Commission will gather evidence and assess possible impact of the expansion of Heathrow Airport before reporting back to the council in January.

More than 40 residents gathered to debate the issue and appoint the commission at this month's meeting of the Community Safety, Environment and Residents Services Policy and Accountability Committee.

Cllr Larry Culhane, who chairs the committee, said: "It's not surprising that Heathrow expansion proposals generate such huge interest among residents – being under the flight path affects us all.

" It is important that H&F can put in a forceful and evidence-based representation to the Airports Commission, so I want to thank Christina Smyth for volunteering her time and everyone who has contributed to the debate so far. I strongly encourage residents to have their say so that we can speak with a powerful voice on this issue to the Airports Commission."

Christina said: "We have already been looking very carefully at all the web comments, and when we get some more formal responses back from residents and key organisations we will be looking at every single thing. We'll have to see what the weight of the evidence is and what reasonable inferences can be drawn."

The first meeting of the commission will be held on November 11 and a public hearing will follow on Wednesday, December 10.

Welcoming its launch, John Stewart, chair of campaign group HACAN,  which represents residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said: "The focus is absolutely right, which is the possible impact of a third runway on the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. If that remains the focus, this will be a unique and distinct contribution to the debate."

The commission also has the backing of the Hammersmith Society, whose chair Rosemary Pettit said: " The Hammersmith Society supports the work of the H&F Heathrow Commission into the effects of the possible expansion of Heathrow. It is essential that the quality of life of borough residents be factored into the future of Heathrow. We look forward to giving evidence to the Commission."

To make a formal submission, please write to Christina Smyth c/o Tom Conniffe by email to tom.conniffe@lbhf.gov.uk or by post to Room 39, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, London W6 9JU. Submissions must include your name and address.

November 11, 2014