Kingston upon Thames has reaffirmed its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, citing concerns over increased pollution and traffic. The Kingston upon Thames council made the decision during a Place Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, where a motion was considered that had been referred from the council on April 1, 2025.
The motion, originally proposed by Councillor Kamala Kugan and seconded by Councillor Yvonne Tracey, stated, This Council regrets the shambles surrounding the government's position on airports in the south east of England and re-asserts its strong objections to Heathrow being granted permission to build a third runway.
Council officers noted that the proposed runway could lead to an additional 240,000 flights annually, increasing traffic on the A3 and worsening local air quality. They also highlighted potential flight path changes that could increase low-altitude flights over the borough, leading to higher noise pollution. The council remains an active member of the No Third Runway Coalition (No3R).
The Place Committee meeting covered a range of other topics, including a proposed footbridge over the River Thames, habitat banks, energy conservation measures for council buildings, redevelopment of the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and Waste Transfer Station, and the award of a Leisure Management Operator Services Contract. The meeting agenda and reports pack are available online.
