Heathrow expansion: Plans for wildlife haven 'four times the size of Hyde Park' near airport

An artist impression of the plans
Heathrow Airport
Mark Chandler19 January 2016

A £105 million plan to transform a green space near Heathrow into a wildlife haven four times the size of Hyde Park has been unveiled.

The airport’s proposals, which would be considered if controversial third runway plans are approved, would see work carried out at the existing Colne Valley Regional Park, a 27,500 acre space which lies to the west of London.

Heathrow developers want to expand it with new wet meadows, pastures for grazing animals, bridleways and a cross country course.

They also plan ponds, sports facilities, gardens, allotments and a mountain bike trail, but only if their own expansion gets the green light.

Heathrow says it is collaborating on the plans with the Colne Valley Regional Park Community Interest Company (CIC), a group which has previously come out against the airport’s third runway bid.

Matt Gorman, Heathrow's director of sustainability, said: “Heathrow expansion is an opportunity to provide once in a generation improvements to the physical environment for the communities around the airport.

Heathrow's plans would see the Colne Valley Regional Park expanded
Heathrow 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.”

Alongside expansion of the park, there are also proposals to improve the River Crane watercourses that lie to the airport’s east.

They also suggest buildings sports facilities to the south and further wetlands with boardwalk access to the north.

The board of the Colne Valley Park CIC said in a statement: “The Colne Valley Park CIC remains opposed to the building of the third runway due to the detrimental impact this will have upon the Regional Park.

"Should the government approve the third runway option we would want to work with Heathrow Airport on improving their plans to ensure that the remainder of the Colne Valley Regional Park benefits local wildlife, landscapes and communities in line with the park’s objectives.”

In December, ministers decided to delay any decision on the airport’s expansion until at least summer 2016.

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