The public inquiry into the terminal lasted four years
16 May 1995
The public inquiry opens at the Ramada Hotel, Heathrow (since renamed the Renaissance Hotel).
British Airports Authority (BAA), the owner of the site, says the terminal is vital to cater for the projected growth in air travel over the coming decades. They promise there will not be an increase in noise or night flights.
People living nearby say they are worried about the potential environmental impact.
17 March 1999
The public inquiry ends after nearly four years.
The £80m inquiry has been the longest of its kind in the UK, but a decision is still not expected for more than two years.
By the end of the inquiry Inspector Roy Vandermeerl had heard from more than 700 witnesses and waded through 100,000 pages of transcripts.
17 June 1999
Residents living under the flight path travel to Luxembourg to lobby European transport ministers.
They meet up with demonstrators from across Europe who are opposed to airport expansion - including the proposed fifth terminal at Heathrow.
8 August 2000
Environmental campaigners say they have found a way to stop terminal five from being built.
Friends of the Earth say there are three hedgerows at the airport, which are protected, so they cannot be chopped down to make way for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
20 December 2000
The official report from the inquiry into terminal five lands on ministers' desks.
16 July 2001
Environmentalists criticise the findings of a survey, which shows overwhelming support from the capital's businesses for a third runway at Heathrow.
The London Chamber of Commerce says 90% of retailers support the development.
24 July 2001
A rally takes place in protest at the terminal five plans.
About 80 people gather outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Westminster and picket people as they arrive for the BAA annual general meeting.
Opponents say it will increase aircraft noise and attract even more traffic to the airport.
9 August 2001
Environmental protesters occupy the London boardroom of airport operator BAA.
After five hours security staff evict them.
The group - backed by more protesters outside - calls itself 'Rising Tide' and is against the planned fifth terminal at Heathrow.