Just imagine how many challenges a Thames estury site would have. It is never going to be built.
Paxboy, although we're in agreement about the eventual outcome, there is a big difference in the HS2 process and the original 2003 Aviation White Paper.
The former only gave one route for consultation - take it or leave it. So the protestors have a point in that they were treated with utter contempt by the government. In 2003, various options were considered, including Cliffe, and a 2nd runway at Gatwick - again, after a legal challenge to include it.
I am assuming that the upcoming consultation will include more than just one option - or to paraphrase Mr Ford, you can have any airport you like, but we've taken Heathrow off the menu and we're not putting it back
