Heathrow runway plans threaten England's 600-year-old medieval New Barn

England’s largest surviving medieval timber barn, the New Barn at Harmondsworth, dates from 1426 and retains more than 95% of its original structural timbers. A proposed third runway at Heathrow would place the runway boundary only a few hundred metres from the barn, raising concerns that aircraft vibrations could harm its massive oak trusses. English Heritage, the barn’s owner, will host a conference on the site in early September and has called for objections by 1 September.

Justine Bayley, former archaeological scientist with English Heritage and chair of the Stop Heathrow Expansion campaign, criticised the Department for Transport for prioritising the airport over environmental and heritage safeguards. Local resident Christian Hughes reported cracking in his nearby home caused by current runway vibrations, while art historian Marian Campbell highlighted the barn’s rarity and precisely documented construction date. Heathrow officials said the Development Consent Order process will assess impacts and consider mitigations.