Representation by Peter Rusbridge
- Date submitted
- 25 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Climate Crisis How can a significant expansion of air traffic at Gatwick be justified in light of the climate crisis? The increase in air traffic alone will generate a huge rise in CO2 emissions and there are no known short/medium term technologies available to reduce them. Gatwick is poorly supplied with transport options to get passengers to and from the airport so the increase in road traffic will also add considerably to air pollution and CO2 levels. Further expansion is not compatible with the Governments commitments Net Zero. Noise and Air Pollution This proposal would have a devastating effect on noise levels and air pollution for those living near the airport and under flight paths. The whole issue of noise measurement and noise envelopes has been manipulated and misrepresented since Gatwick first bid for a second runway. Gatwick’s proposals are not consistent with government policy nor CAA guidance and there seems to be little that is planned to limit or reduce it. The expansion would blight the homes and destroy the wellbeing of tens of thousands of people living in the areas affected. Ground Transport The expected growth in passenger traffic would make Gatwick equivalent in size to Heathrow currently. Gatwick does not have access to the major motorways and roads, train lines and tube lines that support Heathrow. It has one major road, the M23, that is already subject to disruption, cannot be expanded and is not suitable as a “smart motorway”. It has one train line which is already at capacity and cannot be expanded. The congestion and disruption that would be created would impact local roads, the M23 and the M25. The increase in CO2 emissions and pollution is unthinkable. Need Climate change, global political and economic disruption, worsening economic situation in the UK and increased costs must cast doubt on the continued increase of air travel. Business travel has already declined significantly and ever climbing costs will limit private or holiday travel. Does Gatwick’s expansion comply with the Airports National Policy Statement requiring airports to demonstrate sufficient need to justify any expansion proposals? Economic case Significant doubt already exists concerning the economic benefit of increased air travel. Nationally, most air travel and certainly that from Gatwick takes travellers away from the country and does little to encourage inbound tourism. Locally the benefits of increased employment are more than outweighed by the risks and damage to climate and wellbeing and Gatwick’s commitment to increased productivity and automation will further reduce them. Misrepresentation Gatwick does not currently have 2 runways that it can operate concurrently. What is proposed is the construction of a new, second runway that Gatwick has already been refused and does not therefore comply with planning policy, nor or the Government’s Aviation Strategy. Benefit This growth at Gatwick will have a huge adverse environmental effect on our communities and countryside. Those living under the flightpath will suffer damage to health, wellbeing and property value with no return, protection nor compensation. Only Gatwick's shareholders will benefit.