The Petition of the Supporters of the Campaign to Save Cherry Lane Cemetery,

Declares that the proposal by the British Airports Authority to construct an access road to the proposed Third Runway and Sixth Terminal at Heathrow Airport through Cherry Lane Cemetery, which is the only functioning cemetery in this part of the London Borough of Hillingdon, is an act of outrageous, sacrilegious destruction, which is causing considerable distress to the families of loved ones buried at the cemetery and concern to the local community.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons calls upon the Government to reject this proposal and safeguard this site.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by John McDonnell, Official Report, 16 July 2008; Vol. 479, c. 374 .] [P000235]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport, received 9 September 2008:

The Government acknowledges the concerns over the protection of Cherry Lane Cemetery in Hillingdon, but believes they are unfounded. Plans published as part of our Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation and illustrating access roads to an expanded airport were clearly marked as ‘indicative’. They do not purport to show the proposed third runway precinct or road layout in any detail, because at the moment any such plans are at an early stage. If policy approval is given by the Government for development at Heathrow and BAA proceed to submit a planning application, detailed final plans will need to be drawn up and be subject to further consultation in the context of a planning application. This would need to include detailed plans for road access, developed by BAA through a proper process of feasibility study and option selection.

I understand that BAA are very much aware of public concerns about Cherry Lane Cemetery and have made clear their commitment not to disturb graves or inhibit access to the cemetery.