A TOP civil engineer is to brief London Assembly members about Boris Johnson’s controversial idea for a new airport in the Thames estuary. Douglas Oakervee is to discuss the impact it would have on the environment following his feasibility study
A TOP civil engineer is to brief London Assembly members about Boris Johnson’s controversial idea for a new airport in the Thames estuary.
Renowned Douglas Oakervee, who has constructed airports on artificial islands, is to discuss the impact it would have on the environment following his feasibility study for the Mayor.
But the scheme has drawn opposition from Medway Council and Kent County Council as well as wildlife groups. Politicians have also spoken out against it.
The Assembly’s environment chair Murad Qureshi said: “The idea of a new airport in the Thames estuary has been around for some time and been dismissed as something that’s never going to happen.
“But the Mayor is promoting the idea again, commissioning a feasibility study and setting up a steering group.
“There could be major environmental implications if it goes ahead, so it is our duty to look into the issue.”
Mr Oakervee’s report proposed artificial islands, possibly off Whitstable on the north Kent coast, with connecting structures to Kent and Essex carrying roads and railways that would also act as flood barriers or tidal power generators. He meets the environment committee on March 11.
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