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Airports Commission backs new runway at Heathrow

A long-awaited report by the Airport Commission into airport capacity has recommended that a new runway should be built at Heathrow rather than Gatwick.

The options considered were a third runway at Heathrow, extending an existing one, or building a second runway at Gatwick.

The commission recommended a new runway at Heathrow providing a "comprehensive" package of measures be undertaken, including a ban on night flights, a new levy to fund insulation for homes, schools and other community facilities around Heathrow, and an independent noise authority.

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Greenpeace: Heathrow expansion a 'can of worms' for Cameron

A 'no third runway' signs in the village of Sipson near Heathrow Airport. Credit: PA

The recommendation for a new runway at Heathrow Airport sparked fresh debate on the environmental impact of the plan and stirred up further political debate.

Local campaigners and environmental groups vowed to continue their protests against the expansion, as business leaders broadly welcomed the plans.

Green groups attacked the announcement because of the likely impact on the environment.

Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said:

A third runway at Heathrow is an environmental and political minefield. It would jeopardise the UK's climate targets, worsen air pollution in London, and open up a political can of worms for David Cameron.

– John Sauven, Greenpeace

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