Heathrow has today unveiled plans to invest £105 million in creating green spaces around the airport, as it looks to boost its chances of expansion.
The ‘green space creation’ will be around four times the size of London’s Hyde Park.
Heathrow said the investment is part of the airport’s expansion plans and will create new public parkland and wildlife habitats.
It claims the plans would give local communities more outdoor recreational opportunities, boost biodiversity and improve the “look and feel of the area”.
The plans follow criticism from local groups and politicians over Heathrow’s failure to meet emissions targets.
Heathrow director of sustainability, Matt Gorman said: “Heathrow expansion is an opportunity to provide once in a generation improvements to the physical environment for the communities around the airport.
“Our new plan means this airport can be world-leading in environmental performance and guarantee that those most impacted by expansion get both the greatest benefits and fair treatment.”
A decision on airport expansion was expected in November but a decision has been delayed until “at least next summer”.