The Thames Valley is urging business to put pressure on the Government to make sure that a third runway at Heathrow will happen.

Following the Government giving the green light to the Heathrow expansion, a report by planning, design and economics consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) has said that areas which stand to benefit must put in place ‘planning and economic strategies’ to take full advantage of the opportunities.

And property professionals in the region told Thames Valley Property what is needed now is to keep the benefits of Heathrow expansion high on the agenda to help overcome the current uncertainties.

Daniel Lampard, head of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners,Thames Valley office said: “The Government has attached great weight to the economic gains that are forecast to arise from the expansion of Heathrow with many companies across the Thames Valley likely to be those with the potential to benefit.

"It will be important for those employers who are well placed for these opportunities to articulate the potential benefits for the local area, at a time when there are concerns about economic uncertainty. This is particularly relevant as they may be located in Local Authorities who are seeking to challenge the expansion.”

Matt Clarke, partner at property consultants Vail Williams stated that “There is an absolute requirement for the Thames Valley to focus on the benefits that can be delivered and sustained from the third runway at Heathrow. These include job creation and the value of enhanced trade to the economy both nationally and internationally.

“Change will come at a cost to some and I do have sympathy with them but the greater benefit of the third runway in terms of the UK and its post Brexit position puts us back on the front foot.

“Thames Valley businesses should lobby their MPs, business groups, LEPs and inward investment agencies and join local campaign groups who are in support of the project.”

There was support from most in the region when the announcement was made that the Government backed Heathrow expansion and Reading FC, developers of Royal Elm Park, gave the decision its support.

Giles Blagden, managing director at Reading based consultants Hicks Baker said: “Given the hurdles still ahead, it really must just be a case of the Thames Valley continuing to show the same level of support as we have to date and to ensure that the various democratic processes are pursued with the minimum further delay.

“The Government will need no reminding that it is uncertainty which thwarts investment and effective long term decision making.”

The NLP report pointed to major work for local authorities and LEPs, not just through expansion but also the associated growth implications.

The report also highlights the likely need for a further runway by 2050 with Gatwick, Birmingham and other airports in the south east – along with LEP in those areas - needing to position themselves for the extra capacity.

Source: (Thames Valley Property, 2016)