Before any decision can be made whether to take planning forward for a site, many investigations need to be completed to assess difference runway alignments. The outcome of these studies could affect the way forward. Some of the topics for the study include:
Ground suitability: what is the underlying ground like, and would it support a runway and buildings? How much earthworks would be required?
Flooding: how flood-prone (or flood-proof) is the area?
Transport links and changes: what roads would need to be built, stopped or rerouted to provide efficient, safe transport links to the potential new location? What is the impact on the wider transport network.
The natural ecology of the area: what ecosystems exist in the area, how do they work and how would they be affected by or have an affect on an airport?
Noise: what noise would be caused by an airport, how would it affect people in the area?
Social impacts: what social impact would a new airport have on the people living in the area?
Cultural factors: what affect would an airport have on cultural values in the area?
Other: for example, what will be the impact on the archaeology and landscape, is there any land contamination and what are the implications for planning requirements?
Once all of these have been assessed, a design and multi-criteria analysis will take place for the selected alignments.
Carbon Assessment and Climate Change Risk Assessment
A Carbon Assessment and Climate Change Risk Assessment is required for the project to ensure we are meeting our climate obligations.