Thousands of homeowners living near to Heathrow Airport will be eligible for new compensation in the event of an expansion, under measures announced today (Monday, December 1).
Around 3,750 people will be offered 25 per cent more than the market value of their homes if a third runway is built.
Details of noise compensation for those who choose not to sell their properties are expected early next year.
The airport had previously announced plans to pay 25 per cent more than the unblighted market value for 750 properties in Sipson and Harmondsworth that will be subject to compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) if the project goes ahead.
Today's measures extend to those living in Poyle, Colnbrook, Brands Hill, Harmondsworth, Sipson, Harlington and Cranford Cross, but whose houses will not be subject to CPOs.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive, said: “Our proposals for expansion at Heathrow have been developed with input from local communities. We are committed to treating people fairly. People told us that we should extend our offer to local homeowners living close to the airport, and we have listened.
“Now we want to work with local communities to ensure that local people secure the jobs and growth that expansion at Heathrow will bring.”
Under the new measures, the airport would also pay £7,500 for stamp duty costs and cover any legal fees for those wishing to sell their properties.
The airport would also refurbish and sound-insulate any properties it buys before putting them back up for sale.
John Stewart, head of the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (HACAN), a group opposed to any expansion, described the payouts as 'generous'.
He said: “It's certainly a lot more generous than they are required to make, but I think extending this offer to more people was inevitable, because if people were forced to live so close to a new runway life would be unbearable.”
However, he added: “What will the [noise] compensation be? We don't know. People need to know that in order to make an informed decision.”
The new measures were drawn up based on the results of public consultations held between July 21 and October 12 this year.
