Representation by Jules Crossley
- Date submitted
- 25 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very unhappy about all aviation expansion which is currently being planned in the UK and this expansion in particular. Aviation expansion the areas affected by the airport's operations should also be considered - especially in light of the State of Nature Report that was recently published, which showed the devastating effects we are having on the climate and habitats in the UK. Aviation fuel should be taxed and a frequent flyer tax introduced and the revenue from these 2 sources should be invested in research and development of alternative engines and truly sustainable fuel (i.e. fully synthetic) - so that everyone can enjoy flying without fear of the effects on the environment. The government and the aviation industry share the responsibility goes against the government's own policy and will make it even more difficult for us to reach the net zero goals we have set as a country - as well as the effect on the direct locality of the airport. At a time when we desperately need to reduce the greenhouse gasses we are emitting into our atmosphere, we must pause or ideally reduce aviation until the technology has advanced so that we can fly sustainably. Adding another runway at Gatwick and potentially increasing air traffic movements by over 100,000 per year is a reckless and harmful things to do. Air quality (as well as noise pollution) is also a significant issue and one that has not been adequately addressed so far, let alone with a further increase in air traffic movements. Ultra-fine particulate matter from aviation emissions and their effect on human health has not been studied in any significant way and this is something that needs to happen before any increases in aviation are considered. I live near Farnborough Airport and since the change in airspace in 2020, some Gatwick and Heathrow air traffic has been displaced over an area which it previously didn't affect. This area borders an area of outstanding natural beauty (the Surrey Hills) and the edge of a local nature reserve (Tice's Meadow Nature Reserve). The thought that any extra aircraft could be added to this situation is awful and will have a negative effect on people who live in the area and those using these greenspaces for recreation and activities which benefit their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The effect on the biodiversity offor shaping the future of aviation and the safety of UK residents in the face of the risks caused by climate change. I would like to hear more about your commitments to that and less about increasing profits and short-term business benefits.