The Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) was designated on 26 July 2018, paving the way for a development consent application. As part of the development of the Airports NPS, an Appraisal of Sustainability was undertaken which included analysis of surface impacts for all three options shortlisted by the Airports Commission. As part of the surface access requirements in the Airports NPS, the Government has specified that any applicant for development consent must submit a surface access strategy as part of their application.