Primary schools given earthquake shelters to protect pupils from Heathrow noise

More than 20 primary schools in west London will get earthquake shelters in their playgrounds to protect children from noise from Heathrow airport.

At least seven primary schools under the flight path will receive funding for new “adobe” shelters this year, and seven already have them. Within the next four years they will be built in the playgrounds of a total of 21 schools.

The domes were originally designed for disaster zones in Asia and Africa and will enable children to play at break times and take part in outdoor education lessons with less disruption from passing aircraft.

They are made from coiled bags of earth with plaster walls and are the shape of an igloo.

The plans were outlined in an updated blueprint published by Heathrow that is designed to minimise the effects of noise, pollution and vehicle traffic around the airport.

The domes cost £85,000 each and accommodate up to 30 pupils. They are able to withstand earthquakes of at least 6.5 on the Richter scale.

The first such shelter was built at Hounslow Heath infant school in 2013. Heathrow is also spending millions of pounds on soundproofing and double glazing school buildings.