Putney Society Wants More Protection from Heathrow Expansion
Call comes after public meeting to discuss airport’s plans
Society says a reduction in respite is unacceptable for Putney residents. Picture: Putney Society
November 13, 2026
The Putney Society has renewed its opposition to Heathrow expansion proposals, warning that residents could face significantly more aircraft noise, less respite from overflights and continued sleep disturbance if a third runway is approved.
The local amenity group says Heathrow's latest consultation documents indicate that Putney would see a substantial reduction in the periods during which no aircraft pass overhead. At present, the area enjoys approximately nine hours of respite from aircraft noise each day. Under Heathrow's proposed future operating arrangements, the Society says that on two days out of every four, aircraft could pass over Putney around every two minutes from early morning until late evening.
According to the Society, flights could begin from around 6am, and in some circumstances as early as 5.15am, continuing until about 10.45pm, with later flights possible following disruption elsewhere in the day.
The organisation argues that such a reduction in respite would be unacceptable for residents and would have significant impacts on quality of life.
A particular concern is Heathrow's proposed night-flight restrictions, which the airport has promoted as a key mitigation measure should a third runway proceed. Heathrow has suggested a six-and-a-half-hour ban on scheduled night flights, potentially operating between 11pm and 5.30am.
The Putney Society believes this would offer only limited relief because aircraft would still begin flying over the area from around 5.15am. It argues that this would continue to disrupt sleep, particularly during warmer months when residents are more likely to sleep with windows open.
The Society points to growing evidence linking sleep disturbance with adverse health effects and says stronger measures are required.
Among the changes it is advocating are a full ban on flights between 11pm and 6am, extending to an eight-hour overnight respite period if a third runway is eventually built. It is also calling for restrictions on noisier aircraft during evening and morning periods, steeper aircraft descent paths to reduce noise on the ground, and changes to flight operations that would reduce the proportion of early morning arrivals approaching over London.
Despite its concerns, the Society believes some aspects of Heathrow's consultation suggest the airport operator may be open to compromise. Heathrow has indicated that under its proposed "Early Growth" plans it is considering banning arrivals scheduled before 5.30am, while consultation documents also suggest a willingness to consider steeper approach angles for arriving aircraft.
The issue was discussed at a public meeting hosted by the Putney Society on 10 November. Speakers included Wandsworth Council leader Robert Morritt, the council's cabinet member for environment Ethan Brooks, Putney MP Fleur Anderson, Paul Beckford of the No Third Runway Campaign and Stephen Luxford, convenor of the Putney Society's transport panel.
The meeting followed a public engagement event organised by Wandsworth Council earlier this month, which highlighted concerns that Heathrow's proposals could halve the amount of aircraft-noise respite currently enjoyed by Putney residents.
Under Heathrow's consultation proposals, the airport could also make greater use of its existing runways before any third runway is built. The Putney Society has previously warned that this could result in thousands of additional flights passing over the area each year.
Wandsworth Council remains firmly opposed to Heathrow expansion and has argued that the potential economic benefits do not outweigh the increased noise, environmental impacts and disruption that local communities would experience.
The Heathrow consultation remains ongoing, with both the council and the Putney Society encouraging residents to examine the proposals closely and make their views known before any final decisions are taken.
The consultation opened on 27 October and closes on 22 December. You can also submit feedback directly by email at expansionconsultation@heathrow.com.
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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