Rowan makes an excellent point. Heathrow is essential for the economic success of the UK and a third runway would play a key part in this. I know when I am planning trips to Europe, I am now finding myself trying to avoid Heathrow at all costs and opting for Schipol or CDG.

Mark Thompson, VA, USA

The people living under the flight path knew perfectly well they were buying houses next to a big airport. They made the decision to buy cheaper/bigger houses near the airport rather than more expensive/smaller houses somewhere else. Fair enough. It does not give them the right to block the expansion of the airport when it will bring great economic benefits to the country and hopefully make journeys a little easier for the millions who pass through Heathrow every year. Anyone stuck in the queues will appreciate the need for more capacity. Don't let the NIMBYs stop it.
As for Greenpeace, I have this to say. Yes, aeroplanes are polluting. Unfortunately, there is no current alternative to jet fuel (hydrogen is about 20 years away) and no alternative to long haul flights. Instead of fighting desperately to reduce flying, you could get a lot more environmental bang for your buck if you put the same amount of effort trying to improve the energy efficiency of houses and offices.

Rowan, Oxford,

The 3rd runway is not for big business, it is for millions of people who travel and whose lives would be dramatically changed if the Greenpeace ideologist fanatics had their way and returned humankind to the stage of hunters and gatherers. The proximity of the biggest European airport is less ideal for breathing fresh air but is critically essential for thousands of jobs. If all one wants is pure unpolluted nature move to the mountains or some remote places.

Samuel Forty, London,

I live in Hillingdon & saw the map of the proposed site of the third runway at Heathrow, printed in the Hillingdon People magazine. The area this runway will cover is vast, engulfing all of Sipson Village (which will disappear) & swallowing up a huge amount of green land. The area is the size of Gatwick Airport & will isolate Harmondworth Villiage from almost everywhere. Hillingdon Borough already suffers high pollution levels as a result of Heathrow & now the government wants to add another runway into the mix. I thought we were all trying to cut our emmissions & save our planet. It seems that particular enviromental hot potato only counts when there isn't big business involved. Again our government is ignoring the voice of it's people. WE DO NOT WANT TO LOSE OUR HOMES & GREEN LAND. WE DO NOT WANT TO POLLUTE THE AIR OUR CHILDREN BREATHE FOR THE STAKE OF BIG BUSINESS. WE DO NOT WANT THE NOISE & WE DO NOT WANT THE TRAFFIC. WE DO NOT WANT THE THIRD RUNWAY!

Kelly, london, uk