Clive Soley鈥檚 assertion that Heathrow and London鈥檚 economy is under threat if a third runway is not built cannot go unchallenged (27 March, page 42)

Last year we published a report from the independent Dutch consultancy CE Delft which assessed the impact on the economy if Heathrow did not expand. One finding was that the London economy would not suffer if Heathrow did not grow to the size of the other main hub airports in Europe.

First, the size of Heathrow is not a critical factor in most businesses鈥� decision to locate in London. And, second, London is a popular destination in its own right, so Heathrow is less dependent on transfer passenger than some of its competitors.

John Stewart, chair, HACAN (representing residents under the Heathrow flight paths)

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