Under expansion plans for the third runway, Heathrow is proposing to create parking for up to 25,000 spaces in Stanwell, as well as taxi feeds and rentals together with 100 spaces for HGV lorry parking.
We believe the potential impact on our residents would be overwhelming and could decimate the community.
Heathrow Airport currently has no car parking spaces located in the Borough of Spelthorne. Increasing car parking provision undermines the Government's desire of increasing the share of passengers accessing the airport via sustainable transport. The National Policy Statement recently approved by the House of Commons sets out to reduce car travel by at least 50% for passengers and 25% for staff to Heathrow by 2030.
Cllr Ian Harvey, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: "The Development Consent Order should not gift Heathrow further control to create the world's largest car park in Stanwell village - that would be wholly disproportionate and would generate alarming levels of traffic impact (rat-running, noise and air pollution) across the Borough and specifically for Stanwell's local population."
Heathrow should remain focused on providing parking provision 'within, adjacent and close to the airport', dispersed around the airport and at terminals.
Spelthorne wish for the existing airport cap (set following the T5 inquiry) of 42,000 spaces for public and staff to remain in force.
We don't believe there should be any new parking provision unless built at sustainable public transport interchanges. We see no overriding reason why off-airport car parks adjacent and close to the airport should not count towards the operational total required by the airport, even if operated by tenants or third parties.
Car parking provision should be ideally situated as close to motorways as possible, away from built up neighbourhoods. The airport could be served by a good sustainable public transport provision in the form of our proposed Southern Light Rail, which will significantly help mitigate carbon emissions and reduce the number of vehicles driving to the airport.
In 2017, Heathrow made profits of £107m from car parking. For a seven-day stay at Terminals 2, 3, 4 or 5 the total cost of parking stood at £163.40. This makes Heathrow the most expensive airport in the world, significantly contributing to its profits.
Cllr John Boughtflower, Chair of Spelthorne's Heathrow Working Group, said: "We don't believe that new parking provision should come at the cost of our communities' health and well-being. We strongly urge Heathrow to reconsider their plans".
