NEARLY three quarters of people in Hounslow are opposed to a third runway at Heathrow, new figures suggest.
The initial findings of the council's largest ever consultation on the airport's future, published today, show 72 per cent of those responding are against the move.
An extra runway at Heathrow was backed by 27 per cent of respondents, based on analysis of a third of the estimated 9,000 completed questionnaires.
A ban on night flights between 11pm and 7am was backed by 83 per cent of those answering the questionnaire, while 94 per cent backed better noise insulation for schools and residents living under the flight path.
However, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) said they would oppose proposals for a new London airport resulting in the closure of Heathrow.
The consultation also found:
* 64 per cent believe of respondents believe Heathrow is 'very important' to Hounslow's economy
* 45 per cent believe upgrading the Piccadilly line would be the best way to improve access to Heathrow
* 55 per cent said Heathrow was 'very' or 'slightly' beneficial to themselves and/or their families
Hounslow Council's deputy leader Colin Ellar said the initial findings showed people valued the economic benefits of Heathrow but did not want a bigger airport.
"Hounslow residents have spoken and they are saying loud and clear, we don't want a bigger Heathrow - we want a better Heathrow," he said.
"It's now time for Heathrow and all stakeholders to grasp the nettle and make a decision in the interests of our residents and the nation."
The findings will be presented to the Airports Commission, set up by the Government to investigate the need for extra aviation capacity.
The results were published ahead of the findings of referendums on a third runway held by Hillingdon and Richmond, which are due to be released at midday.
Heathrow Airport said the consultation was based on an outdated proposal which it no longer supported and the conclusions were based on the responses of just 1.2 per cent of the borough's population.
"Heathrow will submit outline proposals for additional capacity to the Airports Commission in July and we are committed to consulting with Hounslow Council and its residents and listening to their views as we develop our plans," added a spokeswoman for the airport.
The initial consultation findings in full (all figures are percentages (not everyone responded to all questions, while more than one answer was allowed for some questions))
Should a third runway be allowed at Heathrow?
Yes: 27
No: 72
Are you in favour of more flights at Heathrow?
Yes: 26
No: 73
Should runway alternation, where the runway used for landings switches each day at 3pm, continue?
Yes: 80
No: 16
Do you suppory proposals for new airports serving London that may result in the closure of Heathrow?
Yes: 33
No: 64
How important is Heathrow to the local economy of Hounslow?
Very: 64
Slightly: 23
Neither important nor unimportant: 8
Unimportant: 4
How beneficial is the existence of Heathrow to you and/or your family?
Very: 30
Slightly: 25
Neither important nor unimportant: 23
Unimportant: 22
Should there be a ban on night flights at Heathrow between 11pm and 7am?
Yes: 83
No: 16
Should residents, schools and other community premises be offered better noise insulation?
Yes: 94
No: 5
When are you most affected by aircraft noise?
4.30am - 9am: 57
9am - 3pm: 27
3pm - 6pm: 30
6pm - 11pm: 39
11pm - 4.30am: 39
Not affected: 15
Which of the following would best improve access to Heathrow?
Improving the Piccadilly line: 45
Improved 24-hour bus services: 17
Making Heathrow Express more affordable: 15
Direct connection to the HS2 line once built: 9
New rail access point south of Heathrow: 11
How concerned are you about poor air quality in your area?
Very: 70
Slightly: 18
Neither concerned nor unconcerned: 8
Unconcerned: 4
