Worked Example

a) The area chosen for the third runway to the north of the airport is the least developed and has the lowest density of houses (1). This means there will be less disruption and a lower cost than if it was to build to the south or east (1).

The area which has been chosen has very few contour lines so is very flat (1 ME). This means that construction will be a lot easier, fast and help to keep costs down (1). However, being flat, and located next to the River Colne (1 ME), means that the site is likely to flood the construction site or runway after construction (1) so will have to be diverted increasing construction time and cost (1).

The proposed runway is in a good location next to the M25 and M4 (1 ME) which means that construction vehicles will be able to access the site easily. The proposed site is going to be built over the M25 at GR (1 ME) meaning the road will need to be diverted by a tunnel increasing the cost to construct and causing large amounts of traffic disruption (1).

The existing airport infrastructure nearby will help reduce costs as it will not have to be built. (1)

Other things which could have been mentioned to gain marks:

· The compulsory purchase and demolition of existing houses at Longford and Harmondsworth.

· Increased traffic congestion due to more demand

· The chosen area has good accessibility so no need to build new road network

· Local area with housing will likely have hotels/ BnB for accommodation of temporary contractors.

· 4 Map Evidence marks max out the available marks for refereeing to map evidence

B) The number of passengers is projected to rise to 100m in 10 years’ time, the expansion will accommodate this relieving pressure on existing systems (1). Along with increased passenger numbers, cargo being transported is expected to rise to 2.3m tonnes at the same time, allowing for continued economic expansion and income of trade. (1)

With the construction of the third runway, local public transport is also being improved, this will help ease traffic congestion and encourage use of public transport into London by local people (1). With the improved infrastructure, there is the capacity to attract more tourists to the area increasing income for London (1).

The new expansion will allow for attracting new businesses to the area with the opportunity for new investments (1). It will also attract a new skilled workforce into the area which will increase spending (1). New business and increased spending will also create new jobs for unskilled workers such as hotels and services generally decreasing local unemployment (1).

There are several negative impacts to the development, such as the general damage and disruption to the local natural environment (1). Runoff from construction and through use could pollute water supplies to the SW of the expansion at Wraysbury (1 ME). Increased noise pollution from a new flight path could disrupt wildlife in nearby nature reserves (1). This will lead to strong opposition from conservationists who could protest and slow down construction (1) and from local people who will be unhappy at the increased noise pollution (1) which will occur 24 hours a day (1) and will decrease the house prices in the area (1).

Other impacts which could have been mentioned:

· General benefit to the UK as this will improve connections to other airports from an international base.

· Funding made available for local groups to benefit from the new construction

· Increased traffic congestion from more busses/cars as passengers/workers travel to and from the airport

· Increased air pollution as freight trucks travel through the local area

· Money will need to be made available to compensate householders who need to move

· Encouraging air travel which has a large carbon footprint contributing to global climate change

· Huge amount of investment from the government which could be spent elsewhere.