Representation by Elizabeth Peck
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Increase in noise and disturbance - with open windows yesterday, as the noise of one plane went into the distance, there was barely a minute before the sound of the next one approaching. I appreciate that Gatwick now try to move the approach paths around to spread the noise around, but it can only get worse with an increase in air traffic. Pollution, traffic congestion and noise around Gatwick - the infrastructure and proximity of housing cannot take more congestion, we already experience delays and extra traffic would exacerbate the problem. More flights mean more workers needed at Gatwick and local housing, schools etc don't have the capacity. We value our outdoor spaces, such as Hever castle and its theatre, and the noise of planes is already bad enough - sometimes performances have to pause while a plane goes over. Quiet places are essential to mental health. In the interests of levelling up, and bringing employment to other parts of the country, why are you looking at further expanding the south east and ignoring sites further north. Expanding Gatwick is just making the north south divide even worse. If money is to be spent on extra infrastructure around Gatwick to support roads, housing, utilities etc for the expanded airport would be better spent bringing business and employment to the north of the country.