Representation by James Thulbourn
- Date submitted
- 5 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I live in Maidenbower, which is situated approx midpoint and south of Gatwick airports existing main runway. I have lived here for approx 20 years. 1) Noise, yes a/c are quieter but the ever increasing traffic levels increase the amount of noise from both a/c and vehicles operating with the airport boundary. Weather conditions have a marked negative effect ie low cloud reflects the noise back down onto the surrounding area. 2) A/c pollution. Again modern A/c are much cleaner but the increasing volumes of traffic negate that. This is not just about engine emissions but what about Carbon dust generated by the wear from A/c braking systems and rubber dust from the A/c tyres. Gatwick make some claims as to how they will mitigate air pollution in general but have a caveat along the lines of 'where it is within their control' so A/c pollution and all the third party vehicles used to support the operation are conveniently excluded. 3) Go arounds. The busier the main runway is the higher the number of go arounds, which are directed to climb and turn south, straight over Crawley and Maidenbower. This brings noise and increased air pollution directly over a populated area. Bear in mind that the A/c engines are set to full power as they turn and climb over a highly populated area. Also a safety concern. Pilots are trained and tested on the go around manoeuvre but crashes have occurred, in other parts of the world, due to incorrect carrying out of the go around procedure. 3) Increasing usage of diesel powered A/c ground power units (GPU's) and A/c auxiliary power units leading to increased noise and air pollution. Gatwick does have control measures in place but have a large number of their own GPU's, which appear to be well utilised. 4) Increased road traffic leading to:- Increased noise Increased pollution Increased inconvenience to the local residents. Any talked of mitigation to reduce traffic is disingenuous. Yes Gatwick has a railway station but the London to Brighton line is at full capacity already with few options to increase the number or length of trains. Travelling on train, with baggage, is problematic at best, as modern trains have very little provision for full size baggage and travellers can be vying for space with commuters. 5) Any perceived benefit to local residents are minimal, whatever Gatwick might claim. A large number of the skilled staff travel long distances to Gatwick, so can escape the noise pollution etc. 6) Pressure on local resources. Gatwick is a huge user of Gas, Electricity and fresh water and a big producer of sewerage. Locals where only recently under a hosepipe ban yet Gatwick continued to consume vast quantises of water. 7) Construction. Large increase in traffic, pollution, noise and inconvenience from the groundworks and associated construction traffic. Inconvenience and delays caused by re-working of the local road network.