Representation by Kenton Ward
- Date submitted
- 28 September 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I write to express strong objections to the proposal for a second runway at Gatwick Airport. The planned expansion poses significant adverse impacts on the local community, environment, and the national climate objectives. Passenger Volume and Existing Capacity: The proposed expansion forecasts a 70% increase in passenger numbers. However, it must be noted that Gatwick already struggles with its existing passenger volume. The operational inefficiencies at the current scale suggest a concerning future if the expansion proceeds. Noise and Visual Pollution: The expansion will lead to a 37% increase in aircraft movements, exacerbating noise and visual pollution. The Civil Aviation Authority has recognised the impact of aircraft noise on mental health, yet no compensation schemes are in place for those currently affected. CO2 Emissions: The proposal will result in a CO2 emissions increase of over 50%, with Gatwick contributing an estimated 5.5% of all UK CO2 emissions by 2038. This is inconsistent with the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Transport Congestion: The added passenger and aircraft traffic will cause undue strain on road and rail networks, including the already over-congested M25. Property Devaluation: The negative externalities will adversely affect house prices in the area, without any commensurate increase in local employment opportunities. Alternatives and Sustainability: Gatwick’s poor accessibility for much of the UK undermines its necessity, particularly when other airports like Southend have significant unused capacity. Moreover, increasing air travel is fundamentally at odds with the UK's climate objectives. In 2022, the Green Party estimated an extra 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 could be emitted each year due to this project. Helen Coffey, the Independent’s travel editor, aptly summarised this incongruence, stating the proposal is "wildly out of keeping with the UK’s CO2 reduction targets." In summary, the proposed expansion is not only environmentally irresponsible but also raises severe concerns for community wellbeing and national climate goals. I urge you to reconsider this project in light of the substantial and well-documented negative impacts and very few benefits unless counting the profits of owners, Global Infrastructure Partners, a firm headquartered in New York. As is the case with many international firms, GIP has a number of employees who specialise in minimising the tax to be paid which means that tax matters should also be looked at to ensire that transfer pricing is not being used to minimise any benefit to the UK. I write to express strong objections to the proposal for a second runway at Gatwick Airport. The planned expansion poses significant adverse impacts on the local community, environment, and the national climate objectives. Passenger Volume and Existing Capacity: The proposed expansion forecasts a 70% increase in passenger numbers. However, it must be noted that Gatwick already struggles with its existing passenger volume. The operational inefficiencies at the current scale suggest a concerning future if the expansion proceeds. Noise and Visual Pollution: The expansion will lead to a 37% increase in aircraft movements, exacerbating noise and visual pollution. The Civil Aviation Authority has recognised the impact of aircraft noise on mental health, yet no compensation schemes are in place for those currently affected. CO2 Emissions: The proposal will result in a CO2 emissions increase of over 50%, with Gatwick contributing an estimated 5.5% of all UK CO2 emissions by 2038. This is inconsistent with the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Transport Congestion: The added passenger and aircraft traffic will cause undue strain on road and rail networks, including the already over-congested M25. Property Devaluation: The negative externalities will adversely affect house prices in the area, without any commensurate increase in local employment opportunities. Alternatives and Sustainability: Gatwick’s poor accessibility for much of the UK undermines its necessity, particularly when other airports like Southend have significant unused capacity. Moreover, increasing air travel is fundamentally at odds with the UK's climate objectives. In 2022, the Green Party estimated an extra 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 could be emitted each year due to this project. Helen Coffey, the Independent’s travel editor, aptly summarised this incongruence, stating the proposal is "wildly out of keeping with the UK’s CO2 reduction targets." In summary, the proposed expansion is not only environmentally irresponsible but also raises severe concerns for community wellbeing and national climate goals. I urge you to reconsider this project in light of the substantial and well-documented negative impacts.