Last week I visited one of the 40 local consultation events that Heathrow is running in the communities around the airport. I would encourage you to visit one if you haven’t done so already.

One of the first things you notice at the events is just how much the scheme has evolved and improved over the years. The importance of air quality and noise reduction is now central to the project. However, not everyone knows about the details of the proposals. For instance, did you know that no additional aircraft capacity will be released at an expanded Heathrow unless air quality standards are met in full? That commitment will be enshrined in law.

Understandably, the potential for an increase of passenger traffic to the airport has been a point of discussion, including in these pages. But did you know that the number of passengers travelling from Heathrow has doubled since the 1990s, yet the amount of airport related traffic has remained about the same? Cleaner and quieter aircraft have helped to reduce noise levels over that period too.

We will soon see west London’s public transport infrastructure transformed from Crossrail, Southern Rail access, HS2 and improvements to the Piccadilly line. This all adds up to make a huge difference to the local environment.

Attending one of the consultation events gives you the chance to ask any question you like about noise, about housing, about runway lengths or even about the flow of watercourses – you name it. I think you will find it informative and genuinely consultative. And when you do, you may well end up agreeing with me that the airport can be bigger, greener and quieter. Take a look and decide for yourself.

Parmjit Dhanda - Executive Director, Back Heathrow