Representation by Travelodge Hotels Limited (Travelodge Hotels Limited)
- Date submitted
- 26 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Travelodge Hotels Limited of Sleepy Hollow, Aylesbury Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3AT as leaseholders of Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, Povey Cross Road, Gatwick, Horley RH6 0BE, Title no. WSX342478 The DCO application for the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway proposes the permanent acquisition of a portion of scrubland and woodland within the lease boundary for Travelodge Gatwick Airport Central, a stand-alone hotel, accessed off Povey Cross Road. Purpose for which land will be acquired Permanent acquisition: 1/098 – 1587 square metres of scrubland and woodland (north of Gatwick Airport Central Travelodge Car park) Summary of proposed works As part of the DCO, the local infrastructure around the airport is to be improved. This is including and not limited to road widening, pedestrian walkway installation and roundabout improvements. Specifically, to Travelodge, during the widening of London Road and improvement of Longbridge Roundabout, plot 1/098 will be utilised as a working area. It is understood that this will involve the permanent removal of vegetation. Post scheme, the area is to be landscaped and a drainage ditch will be installed. Efforts to acquire by agreement Travelodge is supportive of the Project due to the potential long term benefits to the local businesses near to Gatwick Airport. However, no agreement has been reached between the Promoter and Travelodge. We have had some engagement with the Scheme Promoter’s agent, Dalcour Maclaren and have been provided with heads of terms for an Option to Purchase. Safety of Customers and Staff Travelodge places the utmost importance on the safety and well-being of customers and staff. Whilst we understand and acknowledge the proposed infrastructure improvements, it is our priority to ensure that construction activities associated with the Scheme do not negatively impact those on-site, especially travellers using the hotel for airport access. Code of Construction Practice Request: Travelodge, while recognising the benefits of the DCO Scheme, has identified several significant concerns related to the construction process. To ensure the safety of our guests and mitigate potentially serious impacts on the operation of the hotel and the wellbeing of our guests, we require binding assurances on the following: 1. Fencing of Working Area – We seek assurance regarding the proper fencing of the construction site to maintain site protection and safety during the use of Plot 1/098 as a construction working area. 2. Working Hours – Assurance is sought that construction activities will adhere to reasonable daytime working hours, with exceptions made only in cases of exceptional need to mitigate disturbances to valued hotel guests. Key items for agreement include day time working hours, notification of noisy works, notification of increased traffic, and site liaison officer contacts. 3. Dust and Debris – We request information concerning any mitigation measures designed to address increased airborne dust and debris resulting from vegetation removal and construction activities. We are mindful of potential business impacts, such as cleaning costs for building exteriors (e.g. windows) and the vehicles of both staff and customers. 4. Construction Traffic – Assurance is requested that Travelodge will receive advanced notice of increased construction traffic in the area, along with clarity on how this will be managed, addressing the points previously raised. 5. Traffic Management – We seek information on proposed traffic diversions and traffic management measures during construction to alleviate congestion on the adopted highways. We are particularly concerned about how this may impact the travel experiences of our staff and customers accessing the hotel. We seek assurance that access to the hotel is maintained throughout the works. Summary Travelodge acknowledges the potential benefits of the infrastructure improvements associated with the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway DCO Scheme. While we recognise its alignment with our client’s interests, we continue to prioritise the safety and comfort of guests and staff. To ensure the successful coexistence of our operations with the DCO Scheme, we require proper and binding assurances on the aforementioned concerns.