Representation by Deborah Clarke
- Date submitted
- 23 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am wholeheartedly against Gatwick's attempts to effectively build a second runway. Moving to the countryside 20 years ago to live in an AONB was a lifestyle choice. The noise from Gatwick has become progressively worse over the years, particularly since 2015 when I believe changes were made to the approach route to Gatwick. There was a debate about a second runway at Gatwick several years ago and it was decided Gatwick was not suitable and that Heathrow should be expanded. I cannot believe that residents are being put through yet another attempt by Gatwick to secure a second runway. LGW cannot use the existing runway, for safety reasons they have to build a new runway. I have never yet encountered a situation where I have wanted to fly somewhere and have not been able to. Surely we should be ensuring that flights leave airports full. More choice will mean aircraft flying half empty which benefits no-one, least if all the environment. Living here in the south-east we are spoilt for choice having Gatwick, LHR, Luton and Stanstead easily accessible. Aircraft noise and the resulting pollution is proven to be damaging to health. The government have a stated objective to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. There is no need for a second runway at the expense of the residents who live below the flight path. Many of these residents will only have to suffer the disadvantages of such a development. The whole process of flying is becoming increasingly automated and will not provide major additional employment in the area.