Heathrow airport has recently been granted permission to increase its runway capacity, a build which has repercussions for Weybridge, both advantageous and disruptive.
The £17 billion required for the runway are not government funded; the airport is owned by a group of international investors. Currently, Heathrow strives to keep up with 480,000 flights per year and 77 million passengers with only two runways, a feat which results in an influx of delays caused by a singular issue with a runway. An extra runway will result in 50% more passengers, which could be seen as unfavourable for Weybridge as congestion doubles. Similarly, there are doubts as to whether more flights and a potential reduction in air quality will be detrimental to life in Weybridge, although this is difficult to predict. Noise also poses an issue, seeing as the runway would operate on a system that involves planes flying at a lower altitude over the town. However, more passengers mean an inflation of jobs which will undoubtedly help support Weybridge and attract more people. Furthermore, local businesses will be more likely to settle in the area, boosting the local economy. Steve Costello, local resident and transport infrastructure developer, said, ‘Another main problem for Weybridge is the traffic chaos that will ensue if no new roads are built or alternate routes provided.’ A relevant concern is to how funds are going to be raised, as at the moment Heathrow profit from ticket sales at about £1.5 billion per year. Indeed, they may elevate prices, however, the owners are capped on this and consequently may not be able to generate enough income. People could also decide to go to cheaper airports, leaving Heathrow at a loss with more runways than is required.
Weybridge will certainly be affected by the additional runway, but it is yet to be seen the severity of the impact.
By Charlotte Lambert
St George's Weybridge
