Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 3 of Stakeholder Engagement Appendix G, Heathrow's Airspace Modernisation (FASI South) Stage 2 Gateway submission, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential ecological impact of diverting flight paths over Richmond Park.

The airspace modernisation programme is an important national infrastructure project that aims to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys for the benefit of those who use and are affected by UK airspace.

All sponsors of airspace change must follow the Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory requirements as set out in airspace change process (CAP1616). CAP1616 requires sponsors to undertake comprehensive environmental assessments for airspace options that are under consideration. The requirements of CAP1616 can be scaled up or down depending on the nature and impacts of the airspace change proposal.

Heathrow airport is currently at Stage 2 of the CAP1616 process. Heathrow needs to pass through the Stage 2 gateway before it can progress to Stage 3. It is at that stage that the sponsors of permanent airspace change proposals will undertake a full options appraisal before undertaking a formal public consultation with all interested stakeholders, including local communities.