Heathrow councils try to defer inquiry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LOCAL authorities fighting plans for a fifth terminal at Heathrow Airport yesterday asked the inspector in charge of the public inquiry to delay the hearing to avoid a clash with another inquiry which will determine highway access to the pounds 800m development.
At the first pre-inquiry meeting at the Ramada Hotel at Heathrow, west London, Sheila Cameron QC, representing 11 councils around the world's busiest passenger airport, asked Roy Vandermeer, chairman of the hearing, to postpone the formal proceedings until at least autumn next year. They are due to open next May.
Ms Cameron said a deferral was needed because the Government had not yet announced a date for the hearing into its plans for motorway links alongside the M25 between the M3 and M4 junctions. A crucial part of the new terminal plan announced by the British Airports Authority plc involves a spur road to these links.
Yesterday's meeting heard that the M25 inquiry was unlikely to begin before November this year.
Mr Vandermeer promised a decision in the near future.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments