The leader of Harrow Council promised to stand up for the borough’s residents over the expansion of Heathrow airport – and declined to give it his official backing.

Conservative councillor Richard Almond quizzed leader Cllr Graham Henson about the ongoing consultation at a council cabinet meeting last week.

The Government voted last year to approve expansion at Heathrow, with work on a third runway scheduled to start in 2021.

Cllr Almond pointed out that Cllr Henson’s predecessor, Cllr Sachin Shah, had given his formal support to expansion at the west London airport.

The current leader agreed that growth is necessary but noted the complexity of the plans and said it was important to see how things progress before taking an official stance.

“There’s a lot of consultation taking place and we will ensure that our voice is heard,” he said.

“There is divided opinion on the expansion – a lot of that is around air quality.

“It’s not just about the flight paths and emissions from the planes but also the transport to and from the airport.

“It’s a major programme that’s going to be delivered. I think it is required but, having said that, and we haven’t seen the full plans yet and we will comment on it as we go through that process.”

Cllr Henson reiterated the fact that the council will bring up the issues which affect Harrow and he urged as many people as possible to take part in the expansion consultation.

Cllr Shah announced council support last year on the basis that it would bring jobs and growth to Harrow and would cement the region as “a global leader for trade and travel”.

Those opposed to the plans suggested that the negative impact would outweigh the benefits, with former Harrow councillor John Nickolay warning that the borough could “end up like Hounslow” in terms of the number of planes flying above it.

The airport is currently holding a consultation on its expansion plans, where it is seeking feedback on how it could operate a three-runway system.

A special event on the subject will be held at Harrow Leisure Centre, in Christchurch Avenue, Harrow, on January 25 from 2-8pm.

Visit heathrowconsultation.com for more information.