The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has welcomed the publication of a strategy paper to build a third £18.6 billion runway at Heathrow.

The draft National Policy Statement (NPS) outlines a number of proposals on the expansion, including noise mitigation measures, paying home owners 25% above market value rate plus costs for the compulsory purchase of their homes and how it will provide a £61 million boost to the UK economy over 60 years.

In addition, the document includes details why ministers chose Heathrow over Gatwick for the expansion.

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Marie-Claude Hemming, Head of External Affairs for the CECA, said: "The publication of the Heathrow strategy paper today signals Government's prioritisation to securing economic growth post Brexit.

"It is estimated that the UK economy is losing nearly £1.2bn a year due to a lack of major airport capacity. Years of indecision on this issue has led to increased congestion and has impacted on our ability to compete in business and tourism.

"As the UK makes its preparations to leave the European Union, we hope that the Government will continue to recognise that world-class infrastructure is vital for building a thriving economy.

"Key to this is maintained commitments for existing projects as well as developing the projects of the future including new nuclear, HS3 and the building of the Manchester to Sheffield Trans-Pennine Road Tunnel."

(LM)