Many of you will have seen the Heathrow Hub’s advertisement in the Sunday newspapers (23 November 2014), and also last Friday, extolling the virtues of an extended northern runway to resolve capacity problems at Heathrow.

 

I realise this is the brainwave of a former Concorde pilot, and that I am no expert, but this proposal seems to have a number of flaws.

 

the destruction of Poyle, and…significantly increase noise levels in Colnbrook, Datchet and Windsor.

1. The effects on Poyle, Colnbrook, Datchet, and Windsor to the west

Considering the effect on noise alone, his proposal would result in the destruction of Poyle, and would also significantly increase noise levels in Colnbrook, Datchet and Windsor.

With the northern runway extending 2750 metres to the west, the aircraft can be expected to be several hundred feet lower both landing and taking off over those communities than when using the runway as it exists today.

This would increase the level of disturbance, which is already unacceptable at today`s level.

 

aircraft taking off over Cranford to the east would be lower

2. The effect on Cranford to the east

Cranford to the east would also suffer greatly because the eastern section of the extended northern runway would be shorter than the current runway so aircraft taking off over Cranford to the east would be lower than if using the current runway length. Closer to the ground = more noise.

 

those living immediately to the east or to the west of the northern runway would suffer incessant take-offs or incessant landings

3. Elimination of runway alternation and the effect on Colnbrook, Cranford, Datchet, and Windsor

Another consideration is that there can be no runway alternation between northern and southern runways. So, those living immediately to the east or to the west of the northern runway would suffer incessant take-offs or incessant landings (approximately 600 a day), depending on the wind direction, and with no relief. This would be the situation every day of the year.

 

 (on) southern runway…there will no periods of relief

4. The effect of mixed mode operation on Hatton Cross, and Old Windsor

Those living to east and west of the southern runway will not suffer quite so badly but it will be much worse than today because it will be necessary to operate in mixed mode, which means that there will no periods of relief

How are Slough Borough Council & Adam Afriyie helping residents in Colnbrook & Poyle?

It seems that Slough Borough Council do not appear unduly concerned with the impact on Colnbrook & Poyle, which lie in their area of responsibility, but I hope that our mutual M.P., Adam Afriyie will take up the issue.

 

What are the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead doing to help residents?

As for the Windsor area I hope that our Aviation Forum, which has a greater level of information at its disposal than me, will provide a rapid and effective response.

 

this proposal would have appalling impact on the communities living around the airport

Final comments

Undertaking a national advertising campaign will have cost the a lot of money, money which ordinary folk can’t match. You have to wonder just who is bankrolling the authors.

There are obviously many other concerns but this proposal would have appalling impact on the communities living around the airport.

 

Colnbrook, Cranford, Datchet, and Windsor will suffer up to 600 aircraft movements, non-stop, from 4:30am to 11:30pm for 365 days a year

Conclusion

Residents in Colnbrook, Cranford, Datchet, and Windsor will suffer up to 600 aircraft movements, non-stop, from 4:30am to 11:30pm for 365 days a year. Now that sounds like HAL to me.

This proposal must not go ahead.

 

Wisdom Da Costa

Chair, WWRA

Councillor, Clewer North Ward, Windsor