Putney Society and Council Warn of Heathrow Noise Impact
Public meeting to be held following recently launched consultation
Heathrow is not hosting any consultation events in the borough. Picture: Wandsworth Council
October 28, 2026
Wandsworth Council will host a public engagement event on Tuesday 10 November to help residents understand Heathrow Airport’s plans for a third runway. The council says the event is essential to ensure local voices are heard — especially as new analysis shows Putney could lose half of its current respite from aircraft noise if expansion goes ahead.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) launched its statutory consultation on 27 October, covering the proposed third runway, major changes to airport infrastructure, alterations to the M25 and local roads, construction arrangements, environmental effects and mitigation. No planning permission has yet been granted.
The Putney Society has warned that the consultation confirms its long-held fears: that Putney will face more planes overhead and a dramatic reduction in respite from aircraft noise.
Under HAL’s proposed operating pattern, Heathrow would move to a four-day cycle. On days one and two, planes would land on the southern runway — meaning aircraft would approach over Putney every two minutes throughout the entire operating day, from early morning until late evening. On days three and four, Putney would revert to the half-day respite currently enjoyed daily. Overall, Putney would receive only a quarter of the respite time it has today.
The Society also warns that the number of planes flying over Putney will increase long before any third runway opens. HAL is proposing to make fuller use of its existing runways, potentially adding 25,000 extra flights a year, with an estimated 5,000 of those passing over Putney.
Despite these impacts, HAL has not scheduled any consultation events in Putney or elsewhere in the borough, prompting frustration among residents and local groups.
Wandsworth Council remains firmly opposed to Heathrow expansion, arguing that the claimed economic benefits do not justify the increased noise, disturbed sleep, reduced respite and environmental pressures that expansion would impose on residents and businesses. Heathrow’s own data recorded an average of 437 overflights a day in Battersea in mid-August 2026.
Council Leader Cllr Robert Morritt said the borough would continue to challenge proposals that risk worsening noise and environmental impacts. “Expansion of Heathrow would have a substantial impact on people’s lives – so we’re standing up for Wandsworth residents whose homes, health and quality of life could be directly affected by these proposals,” he said.
He criticised Heathrow for failing to hold any consultation events in Wandsworth or provide printed materials through local libraries, despite doing so elsewhere. In a letter to Heathrow’s Chief of Staff, Nigel Milton, he said residents should not be expected to travel outside the borough to ask questions or make informed responses.
“We will continue to challenge proposals that will mean more noise and further disruption,” he added. “People who live and work here must have a meaningful opportunity to understand and scrutinise Heathrow’s plans – so our event will openly discuss the issues, help people ask informed questions and make sure local experiences are heard.”
The council’s engagement event will include a panel discussion covering the issues that matter most to people in the borough, including aircraft noise, respite, night flying, air quality, transport and climate impacts. Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney, will attend alongside subject experts.
The Putney Society says it will continue analysing the consultation documents and will publish further information on night flights, air pollution, climate impacts and surface access in the coming weeks.
The public engagement event on Tuesday 10 November takes place at All Saints Church, Putney Common, SW15 1HL from 6.30pm–8pm . Free tickets available via the council website and residents who cannot attend can find more information at wandsworth.gov.uk/heathrow.
Wandsworth Council is a member of the No 3rd Runway Coalition and continues to oppose Heathrow expansion.
Putney Society, a registered charity, is an amenity society run by volunteers to preserve and enhance our local heritage and community.
The Putney Society’s website contains more information about many other local issues and how to become a member.
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