Spelthorne Borough Council has confirmed it will support the proposed Heathrow Southern Rail (HSR) link between Staines and Heathrow Airport, provided that a nearby area of moorland remains untouched. The council stressed that trains must stop in Staines and that independent assessments show no environmental harm to Staines Moor.

The HSR project is designed to create a direct rail connection to the airport, potentially reducing road congestion, improving access for airport workers, and supporting the local economy. The route would use the existing railway between Staines and Windsor before entering a newly constructed tunnel beneath Staines Moor, an approach intended to preserve the landscape.

Steven Costello, executive director at HSR, told the BBC that protecting the moorland is "very much something we can guarantee." He added that the project’s "top tier tech team" will tunnel deep enough to ensure the environment is not affected.

The council said it would review and approve the final plans before giving full support. Alternative proposals, including the Southern Light Rail, were rejected due to concerns over privacy, landscape disruption, and environmental impact.

Councillor Chris Bateson, who led the council’s review, said: "We've looked at both proposals in detail. A direct rail link from Staines to Heathrow could reduce congestion and support our local economy. But we must protect Staines Moor and make sure residents benefit." Councillor Howard Williams, chair of the council's business, infrastructure and growth committee, added that the environment "can't pay the price for progress."

Costello emphasised that the conditions set by the council are reasonable, stating: "All the conditions are very reasonable, it's about Staines and beyond."

Image: Heathrow Airport