The Council for the Independent Scrutiny of Heathrow Airport (CISHA)

CISHA ensures independent oversight of the way Heathrow engages with stakeholders.

The Council and its forums work with stakeholders to make progress on the issues that matter to them.  We hold the airport to account and work to help ensure it is the best neighbour it can be. We fulfil the role of Airport Consultative Committee (ACC) as set out in Section 35 of the Civil Aviation Act. For more information on an ACC have a look at our ACC Fact sheet.

CISHA is responsible for ensuring constructive and effective engagement between Heathrow Airport and those who are impacted by the airport.

About Us

Independent research commissioned by CISHA has found that
Heathrow's approach to property schemes requires significant improvement.

Key messages

  • 750 homes are at risk of demolition if expansion proceeds

  • Planning consent is not expected before 2029 at the earliest, extending uncertainty for affected households

  • Heathrow’s Interim Property Hardship Scheme ranks poorly against comparable national infrastructure schemes.

CISHA Recommendations

CISHA is calling on Heathrow Airport to take immediate action:

  • Put residents at the centre of property scheme design

  • Reset hardship criteria to reflect real-life pressures

  • Provide clear early-exit routes for those needing to move now

  • Ensure fair, transparent valuations with independent advice

  • Extend support to renters as well as homeowners


    Statement from CISHA

    Commenting on the research and findings CISHA said;

    “An important part of our work is not only listening but also asking the questions that help bring focus to the issues which matter to the community. This research work and its findings are vital in helping address the frustration around a scheme which is pivotal to people's lives.”

Supporting Documents

New research from CISHA highlights the need for improvement of Heathrow Airport’s property schemes as uncertainty continues for households affected by ongoing 3rd runway plans

Thousands of residents living near Heathrow Airport are facing prolonged uncertainty about their homes, with existing property support schemes falling short of their intended purpose. New research published by CISHA finds that, as plans for a potential third runway continue, affected communities may face at least three to four more years of disruption and insecurity.

CISHA’s membership includes six forums that represent stakeholders in and around Heathrow Airport

Forums

CAP3149: Heathrow Capacity Expansion – consultation on regulatory policy on early costs

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) consulted on CAP 3149 - Heathrow Expansion Costs. caa.co.uk/cap3149

The Consultation was about whether early planning expenses (like design, environmental studies, legal preparation, and engagement) should be recovered before the Government decides on Heathrow’s expansion.

CISHA submitted a formal response to the CAA's consultation on early costs & Heathrow expansion (CAP 3149) on the recovery of early costs linked to Heathrow’s proposed capacity expansion.

Our Key Messages in Response:

  • Heathrow’s expansion brings a degree of uncertainty for local communities, with potential effects on property, well-being, and local investment.

  • The regulatory framework should aim to balance efficiency with fairness, so that community-related investments are not overlooked.

  • We highlight the value of meaningful community compensation, noting the Airports Commission’s recommendation of more than £1 billion in this area.

  • Early property-related costs should be managed in a way that gives residents and businesses choice, alongside support for essential local services.

  • We favour a transparent and fair process for cost recovery, with appropriate oversight to reduce the risk of unnecessary duplication between scheme promoters.

  • The CAA’s duties to consumers, as well as its wider responsibilities relating to environmental and community matters, should both be taken into account.

CISHA welcomes the CAA’s leadership on this consultation and calls for a regulatory approach that supports both consumers and local communities throughout the expansion process.

View CISHA’s full written response

Posted: 10 September 2025