Politicians in Harrow have lent their support to the Heathrow expansion scheme but have urged the Government to provide complete clarity on the impact it will have.

Councillors from both the Labour and Conservative Groups in the borough said they believe expansion is the right – and necessary – decision.

But there are concerns over how it will affect Harrow, with the project particularly murky when it comes to flight paths.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed that cabinet ministers had signed off the plans for a new runway at Heathrow, describing it as “in the national interest”.

Cllr Sachin Shah noted that he was a fervent backer of the scheme when he was leader of Harrow Council and that he “still supports it”.

However, on social media, he added: “It’s important we do all we can to mitigate impacts on neighbours and the environment.”

His words were echoed by Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Conservatives, who explained that, in his personal opinion, everything must be laid out in the open.

“Heathrow does need expanding, but we need to make sure that the flight paths do not unduly affect Harrow, or anywhere in London,” he said.

“It will create extra noise, and other problems, but it should not be disproportionate in Harrow.

“At the moment, it’s not clear where the planes are going to end up going and we want reassurance that people, and their concerns, are being listened to.”

He added that the expansion will create job opportunities in the borough and will benefit those who frequently make use of the airport.

After joining the ‘Back Heathrow’ campaign, Cllr Shah noted that the project will help 1,200 families in Harrow and believes the number of apprenticeships in the region will double from 5,000 to 10,000.

But Cllr Osborn said that, while he too appreciates the inevitable benefits, the whole operation “needs to be done in a sensitive way to people who live nearby”.