Representation by David Trafford
- Date submitted
- 17 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I oppose this Gatwick Airport application for a northern runway because it is a new runway which does not comply with policy, Government’s Aviation Strategy. Gatwick does not have 2 runways that it can operate concurrently today as such the application should be deemed as one to construct a second runway. Also: ENVIRONMENT: We who live in the area are already blighted by aircraft noise and this can only increase with an additional 101,000 flights a year. We also suffer a lot form air pollution from aircraft which will only get worse. FACILITIES: The increase capacity will require additional workers, likely low skilled, and a shortage of affordable housing locally and lack of amenities will either put pressure on the area to build more houses and amenities or stretch existing facilities. ACCESS: Gatwick sits on a single main road, the M23 which is deemed an unsafe smart road. To add to the huge increase in freight, passengers and workers will cause a significant increase in congestion on residential roads and an inevitable decline in air quality. It also has access to the Brighton Main Train Line, which can’t be expanded. Gatwick seeks to add an unacceptable burden to the line with over 32m extra passengers.