HEATHROW has cut its budget for community noise compensation by almost 80 per cent, in a shock to local communities.

Evidence submitted to Parliament’s transport select committee revealed the west London airport’s previous £241 million budget for noise mitigation measures such as double glazing and loft insulation for nearby properties has been slashed to £52m.

Campaigners warn the funding is necessary to protect nearby residents from excessive noise, and that without it, more homes could become unliveable in due to noise and air pollution.

The committee will scrutinise Heathrow’s expansion plans from next month, after the government’s consultation closes on September 1. The Burnham government will then decide whether to bring the proposal forward for a parliamentary vote.

Rob Barnstone from the No Third Runway Coalition said: “This shocking revelation is sadly typical of Heathrow’s attitude towards local communities.

“Even well before any planning permission has been granted, Heathrow are already treating their neighbours with contempt.

“Can an administration led by Andy Burnham — who has long expressed doubts about the wisdom of Heathrow expansion — really allow it to proceed?”

A Heathrow spokesperson said that noise compensation amounts are set by the Civil Aviation Authority and that “we are actively challenging the decrease the regulator has proposed, which is far below what we requested for the next period.”