The United Kingdom's High Court of Justice said on Wednesday it had rejected five separate complaints challenging the project to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport and supported the government's statement that the expansion of the airport does not prevent the United Kingdom from fulfilling its commitments on climate change
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 01st May, 2019) The United Kingdom's High Court of Justice said on Wednesday it had rejected five separate complaints challenging the project to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport and supported the government's statement that the expansion of the airport does not prevent the United Kingdom from fulfilling its commitments on climate change."There were five claims for judicial review challenging the Secretary of State for Transport's decision to designate the Airports National Policy Statement ... All of the claims were, in the event, dismissed," the court said in a press release.
UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Greyling welcomed the court's decision.
"It makes clear we followed a robust and legally sound process throughout. I now call on all public bodies not to waste any more taxpayers' money or seek to further delay this vital project which will benefit every corner of the United Kingdom," Greyling said.
The discussion about the possibility of building a new runway has been continuing for many months. The residents of the houses located near the airport complained about the increased noise level, air pollution, as well as the difficult traffic situation near the airport.
In June, the UK government and parliament supported the cabinet's controversial decision to build a third runway of Heathrow Airport. Before the vote, John McDonnell, a member of parliament for Hayes and Harlington, set to be likely affected by a third runaway, argued that the expansion would involve the demolition of thousands of homes and centuries-old villages.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also opposed the construction and promised to support a lawsuit against the project in the event of a positive decision of the parliament. Earlier in June, UK Minister for International Trade Greg Hands resigned in protest against the construction.
The authorities estimate that the construction of the new runway will increase the number of additional flights by 260,000 a year, which will bring an additional 74 billion Pounds ($98 billion) to the country's budget.
In July 2015, the Airport Commission's final report backed a proposal for opening a third runway at London's biggest airport. The project is estimated to require 16 billion pounds ($21 billion), as well as the demolition of nearly 1,000 homes. The construction is expected to begin in 2021.
