Representation by Darren Talbot
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I see multiple challenges with the expansion. Firstly, the current noise pollution levels experienced by residents is already too high and causing mental health and quality of life challenges. Planes need to be well above 10,000 feet not to cause significant noise challenges. Whilst that's clear not feasible near to the airport while taking off and landing, the volume of aircraft becomes the key. When there's barely a minute between flights it become a chronic challenge to people's health. Any increase in volume is going to exacerbate this challenge for many people. We need fewer planes, not more. Additionally, while late to the climate change bandwagon, it's apparent that the airline industry is behind others in their adaptation to climate friendly fuels and, until such a point comes when that can be achieved, expanding the number of aircraft will present a huge challenge to the Climate Change Act of 2008. It seems inconceivable at a time when we have to reduce net carbon emissions urgently to hit the targets set in the Act, that anything would be done to significantly worsen the emissions in the meantime. Data from Gatwick Airport suggesting an offset is merely smoke & mirrors. Data can show whatever you want it to, to get what you want. As a Thatcherite I am massively in favour of more jobs, more income for the country to prosper, however it is impossible to ignore the challenges detailed above, which are clearly more pertinent than the need to boost the economy. We cannot put people's short-term health or indeed the planet's long-term future behind economic growth.