SIR Howard Davies’ report, in pressing the case for a third runway at Heathrow, insists there should not be a subsequent call for a fourth one.

He says: “The Government should make a firm commitment in Parliament not to expand the airport further - there is no sound operational or environmental case for a fourth runway at Heathrow.”

The Commission’s analysis says each of the three schemes shortlisted (also Gatwick and an extended northern runway at Heathrow) was considered a credible option for expansion.

However, it unanimously concluded that a new northwest runway at Heathrow, combined with a significant package of measures to address environmental and community impacts, presented the strongest case.

“It offers the greatest strategic and economic benefits – providing around 40 new destinations from the airport and more than 70,000 new jobs by 2050,” the report adds.

Davies describes the strengths and weaknesses of the other short-listed proposals.

“The Heathrow extended northern runway delivers similar economic benefits, is less costly and requires the loss of fewer homes,” he writes, “but it provides a smaller increase in capacity and is less attractive from a noise and air quality perspective.

“The Gatwick scheme is feasible, but the additional capacity would be more focused on short-haul intra-European routes and the economic benefits considerably smaller.”

The Commission’s recommendation is different to previous proposals to expand at Heathrow.

It delivers a full-length runway, maximising connectivity. It is situated further west than the current runways, which would help reduce the number of people affected by noise, it says, and it’s accompanied by measures aimed at limiting the impact on those living nearby. Davies urges:

• a ban on all scheduled night flights from 11.30pm to 6am, which is only possible with expansion

• no fourth runway

• a legally binding ‘noise envelope’ putting firm limits on the level of noise created by the airport

• a new aviation noise levy to pay for noise insulation for homes, schools and other community centres

• a legal commitment on air quality that new capacity will only be released when it is clear compliance with EU limits is not delayed

• a Community Engagement Board, under an independent chair, with influence over spending on mitigation and compensation and over the airport’s operations

• an independent aviation noise authority, with a statutory right to be consulted on flight paths

• training opportunities and apprenticeships for local people, so that nearby communities benefit from the jobs and economic opportunities.

Davies says: “The Commission’s recommendations will ensure an expanded Heathrow can be a better neighbour for local communities than the airport is today, while strengthening international connectivity, enhancing access from the UK’s nations and regions, improving productivity and delivering substantial long-term economic and strategic benefits for the country as a whole.”

The report points out that Heathrow is also the country’s largest air freight hub, carrying more freight by value than all the other UK airports combined.

The long-haul links an expanded Heathrow can provide would support long-term growth in the sector, it adds.