OPPONENTS OF THE PROPOSED third runway at Heathrow have beaten the UK government at the High Court in London. Lord Justice Carnwath agreed with councils, residents and green lobbyists that the public consultations that led to the approval of the new runway were flawed. The decision does not mean the runway will not be built, but ministers will have to carry out fresh consultations with affected groups.
Lord Carnwath called for a review of "all the relevant policy issues, including the impact of climate change policy". He said: "Whether there should be a third runway at Heathrow Airport is a question of national importance and acute political controversy.
"It is a matter on which the main parties are currently divided and which may well become a significant debating point at the forthcoming general election." The hearing was adjourned until after Easter to give both sides time to consider what formal orders the court should make.