HEATHROW has announced it will not only meet but, in most cases, exceed conditions set out in the Airports Commission’s recommendation for its expansion, in its battle for a third runway.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, wrote to the Prime Minister on Wednesday, setting out an ambitious plan outlining how economic gain and environmental impacts can be balanced with the expansion of Heathrow - a proposal recommended by the independent Airports Commission in July last year.

The formal response included the introduction of a ban by Government on scheduled flights for six and a half hours between 11pm and 5.30am; a proposal for the Environment Agency to be given the role of an independent aviation air quality authority in order to provide transparent scrutiny; and the establishment of an Education and Skills Taskforce to develop a skilled workforce.

In Mr Holland-Kaye's letter he said: “You demanded ambitious plans from my team to deliver expansion with a bold and fair deal for our neighbours.

“Today, I am proud to submit a comprehensive plan that meets and exceeds your demands. This is a big commitment from us, but it is the right choice for the country, local communities and jobs across Britain.

“Expanding Heathrow can help Britain win thousands more jobs and ensure that future generations have the same economic opportunity that we have enjoyed."

Ruth Bagley, chief executive of Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Berkshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership lead on the Western Rail Link to Heathrow (WRLtH) project, said: “We welcome Heathrow’s on-going commitment to mitigation and look forward to the government confirming expansion.

“We also ask the government to accelerate its delivery of the planned Western Rail Link to Heathrow, which has been shown to reduce traffic and pollution from the existing two-runway airport and will provide millions of residents and businesses from the Thames Valley to the South West with the benefits of faster, more convenient journeys.”

Cllr John Bowden, chairman of the Aviation Forum, said: "There is no explanation where the aircraft from the Far East will fly in order to get here, as there is no curfew to adhere to in other countries.

"I do not know how as a non-airline operator they can enforce that.

"There are five flights arriving before 5.30am at the moment - two from Hong Kong, one from Singapore, one from Kuala Lumpur and one from Johannesburg. Whatever they do the airlines are going to have to agree with it.

"The promises will be difficult to keep. They said about an educational task force to develop the workforce, but that does not include where the workers are going to live as they will be taking away homes by building the runway."