Representation by David Christopher Sykes
- Date submitted
- 23 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I strongly object to the routine use of the emergency runway at Gatwick, for the following reasons: 1. Noise The expansion plans would entail a vast increase in the amount of noise imposed on the people living in the flightpath area, with consequent negative impact on health, well-being and quality of life. The decibel metric of noise is flawed in that it measures the loudness of noise and not the frequency. The current intermittent noise disturbance will replaced by a continuous noise disturbance. Also, contour maps do not reflect the reality of the actual impact of noise of over-flying aircraft on residents at ground level. The sound and sight of aircraft can be intrusive and disturbing at lower decibel levels than the minimum in the contour maps, depending on the environment, other local background noise, personal sensitivity, etc. For example, a person enjoying the peace and quiet when walking in the countryside or enjoying their garden will be more concerned about noise intrusion even at low decibel levels, than a person driving in a car. 2. Road Traffic Expansion of Gatwick for passengers and freight puts unacceptable pressure on the local road network. The A264 and A23 are already at capacity and become log-jammed if there is any disruption to the M23. There are no East – West road or rail links to Gatwick, making it the wrong place for massive expansion. Many of the new passengers attracted to an expanded airport would come from west and north of London, putting additional strains on the motorway system. Expanding capacity on rail links between London and Gatwick is not an option due to the restriction imposed by tunnels along the route. 3. Green Belt Expansion of Gatwick for passengers and freight puts unacceptable pressure on developing the surrounding Green Belt, with all the accompanying infrastructure – housing for 18,400 extra workers, hospitals, schools, shops and commercial parks for storage/handling/distribution/administration. Green Belt legislation was designed to protect the countryside from unwanted and unnecessary development. The transport select committee in 2013, the airports commission in 2015 and the Government in 2016 have all looked at the evidence and decided unequivocally that Heathrow is the best option for airport expansion in the South East. 4. Other The reduction in the number of flights due to the Covid pandemic led to a wonderful improvement to the local environment, which could be enjoyed without the previous constant disturbance from intrusive noise. Gatwick needs to consider how to reduce the impact caused on local communities by its growth to date, rather than pushing for further growth. The time has come to challenge the assumption that Economic Growth wins every debate. Instead, protection of the environment at a local, national and global level should be the primary criteria. “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world it leaves to its children” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer