Representation by Ewa Affinito
- Date submitted
- 20 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As a local resident, I disagree with the plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport as it is unnecessary with London City and Stanstead Airports having the capacity to expand the number of flights they currently operate. With a second runway, the quality of life of residents living within the flight paths will deteriorate with permanent increased noise throughout the day and night, higher levels of air pollution as well as more traffic congestion around the whole area. Horley residents would also lose the green area of Riverside Park. In order to try and limit the environmental impacts of airports, the Government should be trying to improve regional airports to encourage passengers to fly from their local airports by making these more attractive to airlines and therefore to passengers. Gatwick Airport claims that that the expansion would create more employment in the area - most jobs at the airport and low paid and insecure for the whole year as many are seasonal. With the expansion of on line check in, and more emphasis on travelling with cabin baggage only, fewer jobs are required so the local area would not experience economic benefits from the proposed expansion.