Slough Borough Council hosted a summit in the town to discuss the proposed airport expansion, which they claim will make sure any development is both well-planned and sustainable.

The summit, held on October 11 on behalf of the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group, was organised following June’s Airports National Policy Statement which provided the necessary parliamentary support for the airport’s expansion.

Key speakers at the summit looked at issues regarding the delivery of the expansion, including the opportunities and challenges it will bring.

The key speakers included Aviation Minister, Liz Sugg CBE, and Chairman of Heathrow Airpor, Lord Deighton. The event was chaired by Brendon Walsh, HSPG Officers Chairperson.

Leader of Slough Borough Council, James Swindlehurst, said: “In Slough we recognise that the proposed Heathrow expansion will bring huge benefits to our local area, including new jobs, improved public transport and an enhanced transport infrastructure.

“We do realise that all of this will not come without its challenges, which is why hosting a summit like this as part of the HSPG will ensure that any potential impacts are raised and minimised.

“I was delighted that Heathrow and the government were represented at the summit, we (The HSPG) will continue to work with them to ensure that those residents living closest to the airport will have the best possible package of mitigation.”

Aviation Minister, Liz Sugg, said: “Local authorities and enterprise partnerships are best placed to provide the leadership and step change that is needed to deliver the opportunities expansion brings.

“The Heathrow Strategic Planning Group has an extremely important role to play in engaging and galvanising local authorities and I am pleased to see the work they have already done to this effect.”