The noise limitations at Heathrow are archaic. They date back to the days of B707s, DC8s, Tridents and VC10s. Aircraft are so much quieter today. The motorway/road system surrounding the airport probably generates as much noise, (and particulate pollution), which is continuous, as opposed to relatively transient aircraft noise. I recently stayed at one of the hotels facing 27R/09L, and was awoken at about 4am, not by planes, but by the stream of road traffic on the A4.
- It is time Heathrow operated H24.
Many years ago a cunning plan was hatched to build an offshore airport in the Thames Estuary. I believe it was scrapped by the Labour government of the day.
A shame, especially considering the recent redevelopment of London's 'East End'.
Meanwhile the Chinese and Japanese folk just get on with it and get them built, in less than the time the Heathrow consultation will take!
Third world country? - NOT ARFF!!