Villagers fear losing homes and community spirit as Heathrow’s third runway plan nears approval

Campaigners in west London are rallying against the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport, warning that the expansion could devastate the local community. In the villages of Harmondsworth and Longford, hundreds of homes face demolition if the project moves forward, a prospect that has residents fearful for their homes and livelihoods.

Justine Bayley, a lifelong resident of Harmondsworth and chairwoman of the Stop Heathrow Expansion group, shared her concerns with PA news agency, stating, “It’s inevitable that demolishing hundreds of homes will smash up a community.” The expansion could also force the closure of local businesses, including two pubs and two shops, leaving the area without the daily foot traffic that sustains them.

A bus route vital to the village’s residents would also be displaced to make way for the new runway. For Bayley, the looming possibility of her home being left just “50 paces” from the boundary of the runway heightens the uncertainty. “There’s disbelief that it will actually go ahead,” she said, reflecting the apprehension in the village.

The airport’s third runway proposal is part of efforts to increase air travel capacity and ensure operational resilience. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently voiced her support for the scheme, pushing for completion by 2035, with full Cabinet backing. However, many locals remain unconvinced, and the expansion has become a contentious issue within the community.

Revd Richard Young, vicar at the St Mary the Virgin Church in Harmondsworth, echoed these fears, stating, “If it went ahead, it would have a devastating effect on the place. The vast majority of it would disappear.” While the church itself would remain, Young described the broader impact on the community as profound, with the church’s role in the local life at risk of being undermined. “The plans have been talked about for decades, and they have been a blight hanging over everyone’s heads,” he added.

Many villagers are trapped in limbo. Unable to sell their properties due to uncertainty over the expansion, they are struggling to maintain a sense of stability. The debate has divided the community, with some desiring clarity on the future, while others feel a mix of fear, anger, and frustration.

The fate of the villages and their residents now hinges on the government’s decision, with all eyes on how the controversial expansion plan unfolds. For Harmondsworth and Longford, it’s not just about the future of an airport but the survival of a community that may soon cease to exist.