Emerging from the debate about the implications of whatever the development is at Mortlake Brewery, East Sheen and Mortlake find themselves plunged into further conflict which could affect living conditions for the next decade at least.

On 29 January 2025 the Chancellor confirmed the Government’s intention to promote the expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the construction of a third runway. This came with a demand for more detailed plans to be drawn up by June 2025.

The Leader of Richmond Council has reaffirmed the Council’s long-standing opposition. He stressed the significant harm the expansion would cause to local communities, already heavily affected by flight paths. Are the environmental damage, increased noise pollution, and disruption to local communities simply too high a price to pay?

There are many items on the agenda for consideration, which EastSheenMatters will seek to keep abreast of. Potential pollution comes in many forms: noise, air pollution, congestion, personal disruption.

There is pressure from Heathrow Airport businesses and some surrounding the area, who will no doubt benefit. But how will it all be financed?

The access infrastructure has also to be considered and financed. This will include the local motorways and road system, the Piccadilly line and National Rail. There is talk of pushing more trains through Mortlake; it is difficult to see how that could be accommodated, when no solutions have yet been put forward to meet the existing problems in the area.

Peter Willan, the Chair of the Richmond Heathrow Campaign, will be speaking about the proposals at the Mortlake with East Sheen Society AGM on Mon 24 March 2025 at All Saints Church. See www.mess.org.uk