Issue

Surface Access

3 stories · 1 council

Richmond Council is currently raising concerns about surface access provisions as part of its objection to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.

Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) in August 2026, citing significant concerns over surface access. The council's Special Standing Committee on Heathrow approved its detailed response on August 12, 2026, for submission by September 1, 2026. The council's response argues that the government has not adequately made the case for expansion.

The council's objection highlights that the means by which people and goods access the airport, including public transport and road networks, is a key consideration for airport expansion. Richmond Council also raised concerns about noise, air quality, climate change, and the economic viability of the proposed expansion.

Key facts

  1. Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  2. The council's Special Standing Committee on Heathrow approved its detailed response on August 12, 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
  3. The council's response was due for submission by September 1, 2026. Source
  4. Richmond Council cited surface access as a significant concern in its objection to the expansion. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Surface access worries in Heathrow expansion response Richmond Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over surface access, noise, air... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  2. Council questions economic case for Heathrow growth Richmond upon Thames Council has formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), citing significant concerns over the economic case,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026
  3. Richmond Council objects to Heathrow expansion Richmond Council has formally objected to the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing significant concerns over noise, air quality, climate change, economic viability,... Richmond upon Thames 14 August 2026