Representation by David Paul Johnson
- Date submitted
- 11 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The developments at Gatwick Airport change of use of runways and associated developments and land take are unwanted and unnecessary. New developments are only intended to increase local air travel and the associated profits of Gatwick’s owners and shareholders/pension funds. The cost to the general public through financial subsidy to services, to increased aviation fuel use, and overall impact is greater than any public value. Airports are not ‘public goods’ but shopping malls with associated services in relation to commercial flight. Local people particularly, but the British public generally, lose out, by way of loss of countryside, increased noise, road and rail traffic, air pollution and increased carbonisation and contribution to global warming and exacerbate climate problems. Gatwick currently benefits from adequate employment opportunities already as both Gatwick Diamond and London easy access. The need to fly less has already been established because of its impact on the environment across the world. Current flight demand favours the financially better off, it is presented as an achievement of success and used to suggest social status. For both current and future generations to survive, limiting rather than increasing air travel is a key goal for a manageable climate and a less polluted environment. Please refuse any further development at Gatwick Airport.