The next government has been urged to make a speedy decision on the future of Heathrow following the Airport Commission's final report this summer.
In a joint message Hounslow Council, Heathrow Airport and SEGRO said any future government must secure the future of airport expansion which will impact jobs, residents and businesses and make a decision whatever it maybe, quickly.
The call came from Hounslow Council’s leader Steve Curran, Heathrow’s director of external relations Nigel Milton, and business unit director for SEGRO Allan Holland after their appearance at MIPIM, the international property fair.
Mr Curran said: “Heathrow is hugely important to our economy, providing thousands of jobs for our residents.
"So any delay in making a decision following the Airports Commission’s report will lead to continuing uncertainty which would be catastrophic for investment, jobs and prosperity throughout west London and the Thames Valley.
"Any future government must grasp the nettle and make a decision in the summer – Heathrow, Hounslow and London cannot afford any more dilly dallying.
"Whichever way the decision goes, we will respond in the best interests of our residents and businesses.
"We have already started to formulate plans for development of the west of our borough that will build on our strengths."
The Airports Commission is looking into the case for a third runway at Heathrow or a second runway at Gatwick and is expected to make its recommendation in June.
More investment
Mr Milton said: “Hounslow is perfectly located to take advantage of Heathrow expansion.
"The improvements to infrastructure and surface access that would result from expansion would result in a step change in opportunities for Hounslow, its residents and the businesses located in Hounslow."
Mr Holland added: "It is absolutely vital that politicians understand the strength of feeling from the business community over Heathrow expansion.
“97% of our customers recently surveyed say that airport expansion is important for the long-term economic success of the UK.
"We urge all parties to agree to take a decision on airport expansion as quickly as possible after Howard Davies submits his report."
During the three days at MIPIM, future plans for the borough were discussed including the prospect of London with or without expansion at Heathrow; the Feltham Masterplan; and The Golden Mile.
Mr Curran added: “I am looking to fight for more funds and investment for Hounslow – at no cost to council tax payers I would like to add.
“Last year Hounslow went to MIPIM and secured multi-million pound developments for Hounslow town centre and Brentford which means more affordable homes, jobs and prosperity for our residents and businesses.
“But we want to build on this success so we can secure more investment to keep our borough booming and improve the lives of Hounslow people.
“We will need to compete fiercely with other London boroughs and councils across the country to show why Hounslow – with Heathrow on our doorstep and central London a stone’s throw away – is the capital’s window to the world.
“But we want a better not bigger airport which means better noise protection for our residents and school children, better public transport to the airport and environment for our businesses to flourish.”
