Representation by Margaret Abu-Nimeh
- Date submitted
- 15 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am extremely concerned about the proposed extension to Gatwick Airport and the impact it will have on the Southeast and specifically the local environment. Local residents already suffer from noise pollution living near the airport and under flight paths, this will only be exacerbated by increased flights. Traffic congestion on local roads and the M25 will increase which in itself creates noise and air pollution which will ultimately affect the health and well being of people in the community. The M25 is already seriously overused and any current closure for roadworks or an accident, causes chaos, noise and traffic congestion to the surrounding towns and villages when traffic is re-directed. I question why there is a need to extend Gatwick, when there are at least 6 airports serving London and the surrounding area (LGW, LHR, Luton, Stansted, City and Southend). I have never actually met anyone who could not book a flight to their chosen destination. I lived overseas for 30 years and I was always able to get a flight back to the UK either for business or pleasure whenever I wished to fly. There are certainly enough, actually too many planes in the air and we should not look to add more air traffic and subsequently CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change. At a time when we can so clearly see the impact of pollution on the environment and the subsequent changes in our weather patterns we should be looking at ways to reduce emissions. I very much hope that this expansion proposal will be rejected.