In a recent speech delivered in Oxfordshire, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced extensive investment for UK infrastructure. There weren’t many surprises. Except perhaps the revived support for the proposed third runway at London Heathrow Airport.

Like other major infrastructure projects, it has been in the works for some time, having gained parliamentary approval back in 2018. But as we all know one green light doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll happen. Especially when construction will result in major demolitions of most if not all surrounding villages.

This plan highlights the complexities of major infrastructure projects. On one hand, with capacity capped at 480 000 arrival a year, it’s not possible for London Heathrow to grow, unless they add another runway which will take them up to 720 000 a year. If you’re focusing on the economics of the proposal then finding a way to expand on the trade of the airport – which exceeds more than £200 billion a year, makes sense. But from a community and environmental perspective, demolishing entire villages makes none at all.

How the government and Heathrow plan to navigate these complexities is anyone’s guess. Communities are vehemently opposed to the plan and it’s likely to be tied up in a great deal of red tape for a significant period of time. Which makes one wonder, why highlight it as an infrastructure project to focus on?

There are many more road and rail infrastructure projects that can play a role in uplifting and connecting communities, and bring economic growth. The UK has continually announced its intention to lead the way in building sustainable, resilient and community-oriented infrastructure. Shouldn’t that be where the focus should be for the year ahead?

There is a significant amount of innovation with different methods of construction that can lower the footprint and improve the overall results of a project. There are also many projects that don’t require demolition of entire communities.

Accepting a trade-off – that’s the old way of business. Sustained economic growth has been impossible to achieve in construction and infrastructure in the past decade. Perhaps it’s because the trade-off’s keep happening, instead of looking for ways that wins can be achieved on all fronts.

Government will always be wrapped up in policy as political parties prioritise their own agenda. But perhaps this is where the expertise in the construction and infrastructure sectors has a bigger role to play – delivering what communities need rather than getting sidetracked by promises of potential revenue.