PARLIAMENT last night backed the expansion of Heathrow, ending decades of political debate and local uncertainty.

They voted by 415 to 119 – a majority of 296 - to support the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement.

The vote clears the way for Heathrow to submit a planning application for a third runway alongside the villages of Harlington, Sipson and Harmondsworth.

Supporters are celebrating a £14bn private investment for the project that they say will have major benefits for the area, doubling the current cargo capacity.

Opponents say it will turn peaceful areas of London and the Home Counties into torrents of noise.  

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In the next year, the airport will sign £150m worth of contracts, which, it says, will create 900 new jobs and 200 apprenticeships.

Heathrow is promising a £2.6bn compensation package to neighbouring residents and says it will enforce a 6.5-hour ban on scheduled night flights and a guarantee to meet air quality regulations.

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “The newly-established Heathrow Community Engagement Board will play an important role in building and maintaining trust between the airport and its communities, making sure that Heathrow delivers its commitments today and in the future.

“In particular, it will ensure that communities are meaningfully engaged in the process over the coming months and years.”