Representation by Herbert John Doree
- Date submitted
- 25 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to object strongly to the Gatwick expansion plans for the following reasons: - 1 No evidence that customer demand will justify the proposed expansion Despite a sharp rebound from pandemic lows, passenger numbers are still significantly lower than September 2019. This means that the proposal to nearly double passenger capacity would represent an expansion which is only justifiable on the assumption of unlikely rapid growth 2 Passenger demand growth will be slower in the future. Although the much-vaunted growth over the decade to 2019 of 3.5% p.a. is used to justify expansion, the reality is that growth had probably stalled in 2019 and is likely to be much lower in the future, (after the initial post Covid recovery), due to a desire to travel less by an environmentally conscious public and by much reduced business travel due to the growth in virtual meetings. In addition, the objective of Government to achieve ambitious global warming reduction targets will inevitably lead to a cap on aircraft movements. 3 Gatwick is unsuitable for expansion from a national perspective Gatwick has very poor transport links compared to Heathrow, and expansion would create a huge increase in car movements which would impact badly on many rural roads and villages. The inevitable increase in aircraft noise levels would be particularly damaging due to Gatwick’s location close to AGLVs and AONBs which have strict controls over all aspects of development to protect their unique nature. 4 Expansion is inconsistent with Government’s climate targets The proposed expansion would result in a substantial increase in carbon dioxide to a level which is significant in relation to this country’s total emissions. This is completely inconsistent with Government climate objectives announced at Cop26 5 Unfair financial gain To maximise future realisable value, Gatwick shareholders see that a capital investment programme to increase capacity is a profitable proposition but only because they do not need to contribute to the costs which will be experienced by all other “stakeholders.” Local residents, especially, will suffer badly in terms of noise pollution, particulate pollution, water pollution, and road congestion but also the nation will suffer a costly setback in its drive to offset global warming.