patsylabrador Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I was looking on BBC news website at architect's plans for the area if Heathrow is closed. It all looks very pretty but total rubbish. I do not want a new airport built on the Thames Estuary and am quite happy for a third runway to be added on to Heathrow. My main concern is for the thousands of people in Hillingdon whose lives are dependent on the existence of the airport. Apart from staff who work for it there are countless businesses that are part of the life of it, hotels, restaurants, taxis, freight companies and all the companies that have found a reason to exist because of the airport. Terminal 5 is pretty new and Terminal2 must be fairly near being finished. That would be a colossal waste of money. I reckon it's a bluff by BJ to get people to back plans for the third runway. Also, Heathrow is part of my long term plan, when we're old and wobbly and not safe driving I want to still be able to walk down to the tube, catch a train to Heathrow and go where I please. I don't want that taken away. I read the objections to a new runway but the alternative is grim as is this threat to the area. Done ranting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 I meant to add a description of Hillingdon Borough for people who don't know it. Firstly, it's huge. It has some lovely areas, parks, woodlands, open spaces, canals and lots of history. It is also an area of high immigration, high unemployment and not so good for crime, especially of the knife wielding variety. The last thing it needs is massive unemployment. I didn't see much in those plans that would be more beneficial than having a job. Another shopping mall or parkland isn't helpful in my opinion. I'm quite fond of Hillingdon and I think our council do a pretty good job, I hope I'm just panicking but I'd hate to see it ruined by politicians and business men. Now I'm done ranting although interested to hear from anyone who would be adversely affected by a third runway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 The choice isn't a "third runway" or" Heathrow will close." I live in an area which will be badly affected if a third runway is built. We've already had trials of what the flight paths will be. The increase in noise, and the frequency of planes flying low over my house either landing or taking off has been horrendous. If the 3rd runway goes ahead, the flight movements will increase from 480,000 a year to 720,000. The roads and areas around the airport struggle to cope already, they cannot cope with the extra traffic (and housing requirements) that more flights will bring. I'm not anti Heathrow, but I am anti 3rd runway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 That's why I was thinking the following article is probably pie in the sky. I think it's scare tactics. I'm confused about TfL, the Piccadilly line must be one of their busiest. link I live under the flight path for Heathrow and Northolt. Planes for Heathrow are circling so not so bad, planes for Northolt are small and infrequent so although they come in over the houses low again it is not so bad. My friend lives in Cranford and the noise of planes landing/taking off there is immense. I wouldn't want that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Terminal 2 must be fairly near being finished. It opened up last week. I am also pro 3rd runway, the infrastructure is already there, and the tunnel and roads around the airport are currently being upgraded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I also agree that a 3rd runway should be built, as it will take far too long too build a new airport in the Thames Estuary (as well as all the wildlife disturbances). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...