The UK government has vowed to fast track the planning process for London Heathrow’s third runway.
This will allow the nation to ‘experience the benefits sooner’ it said.
It comes as work begins on a new airports national policy statement (ANPS) which is a necessary step in the process.
This will allow for a final decision by the end of the current parliament, transport secretary, Heidi Alexander said.
An updated ANPS is required due to new environment and climate requirements.
Alexander said: “Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner.”
“Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country.”
Overall, the privately financed project of a new runway and related airport enhancements will cost almost £50 billion.
Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye has urged swift action from the government ‘so we can move from talking to building and start investing billions of private money.’
