Representation by Hugo Youngman
- Date submitted
- 26 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I make the following comments in respect of any planned expansion of the airport at Gatwick Environmental Impact The proposed expansion would significantly increase Gatwick’s CO2 emissions and other climate-related repercussions. With no large-scale aviation emission reduction technology in sight, this expansion threatens the UK's carbon reduction objectives. The consequent increase in construction and road traffic emissions will aggravate air pollution. Most local councils and the UK government have declared a climate emergency which is at odds with this expansion Flood Hazards The local River Mole and its branches have historically flooded. Climate change exacerbates this, and Gatwick's expansion, along with other local developments, must address this serious issue. Our rivers are in neglected state and widespread development is likely to cause additional pollution. Economic Evaluation The purported economic advantages of Gatwick's expansion seem exaggerated. The airport's analysis appears to sideline several socio-economic and environmental costs and appear to benefit only the stakeholders in the project. Given the UK's connected economy, the returns on further air transport growth seem limited. When weighing the risks and benefits, Gatwick's economic justification becomes questionable. The scheme may inadvertently divert funds overseas, thereby undermining local job markets and clashing with the government's leveling-up ambitions. Noise and Night Filghts Gatwick's expansion plans raise considerable noise concerns for nearby residents and even those living under distant flight paths. Their current noise proposals diverge from government policies and CAA guidelines. These proposals need major reconsideration. Quieter aircraft and a ban on night flights must also be a part of any airport development Before considering any of these the UK Government should tax private jet flights which is a major contributor to CO2 emissions