In a dispute highlighting the challenges of urban development and air travel, the owner of a £3 million Georgian mansion near Heathrow Airport has raised concerns about alleged damage to his property from low-flying aircraft. Daljit Bhail, 54, claims that planes landing at Europe's busiest airport are causing harm to his 28-room Grade II-listed home in Hounslow, west London.
The 18th-century property, which Bhail purchased for £600,000 in 2000, is situated adjacent to Heathrow's south runway. The property investor asserts that the house has suffered "vortex damage" to its roof due to large gusts of wind from passing aircraft. He also alleges that frozen sewage and ice falling from planes have caused damage, though the airport refutes these claims.
"It's just madness how they treat a listed building and the planes wake me and guests up at 3am."
Bhail's concerns extend beyond property damage to noise pollution and safety issues. He reports that planes sometimes fly overhead with less than a minute between them, creating significant disturbances for him and his Airbnb guests. The property owner expresses worry about the potential dangers of falling ice, citing an incident where a double-screened window was allegedly penetrated.
The dispute between Bhail and Heathrow Airport has escalated over repair attempts. While the airport claims to have well-established programs to protect local buildings, Bhail alleges that their efforts have been insufficient. He describes a "standoff" situation, where initial repair work was halted due to disagreements, and subsequent attempts were, in his view, inadequate.
Heathrow Airport, which handles over 80 million passengers annually and employs more than 76,000 people, maintains that they have procedures in place to address such issues. A spokesperson for the airport stated that they work with specialist contractors to assess and repair damage at no cost to residents in the rare cases where property is affected.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by major airports in balancing operational needs with community concerns. Heathrow, which has been in commercial operation since after World War II, has a history of implementing noise mitigation measures and addressing environmental issues. However, as this case demonstrates, the proximity of residential properties to one of the world's busiest air hubs continues to create complex scenarios requiring careful navigation.
As the dispute continues, it highlights the broader issues surrounding airport expansion and urban development. Heathrow's proposed third runway project has faced significant opposition due to environmental concerns, reflecting the ongoing debate about balancing economic growth with quality of life for local residents.