Representation by Abinger Parish Council (Abinger Parish Council)
- Date submitted
- 27 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Parish councils
Background. Abinger Parish Council (APC) is a democratically elected body representing some 2,000 people. The parish lies to the west and north west of the airport at a distance of about seven miles, and is partially within the Surrey Hills AONB. The southern part is overflown by easterly arrivals at an altitude of around 2,200’, and additionally westerly departures using routes 1,7 & 8. The higher ground to the north of the parish is overflown by aircraft flying at about 3,000’ using departure route 3 in easterly operation. The entire parish is affected by aircraft noise to varying degrees in both easterly and westerly operation. APC's comments in regard to Gatwick Airport’s runway expansion relate to the following: Noise Pollution Access Economics Climate Change Polling Consultation Emissions Noise. Already excessive aircraft noise will be greatly increased. A reduction in aircraft noise of 2dBA is at the threshold of human ability to differentiate and is not accepted in mitigation. Pollution. Existing air pollution from aircraft and road traffic will be greatly increased. Access. The railway line to Gatwick cannot be expanded. Unlike virtually all airports serving capital cities, Gatwick has no connection to the capital’s mass transit system, the London Underground. Gatwick is only served by a single motorway from the north. East and west road access is particularly poor. Due to the restricted rail and limited road access there will be increased traffic on unsuitable minor rural roads. Economics. We are not convinced of the economic case for expansion in respect of carbon emissions by using outdated data. Business travel has reduced since 2006. Incentivising UK residents to travel abroad ever more cheaply could be consider a net loss for the UK. Climate change. Gatwick makes much of the green credentials of its infrastructure. Air travel is environmentally damaging. Emissions created by the increased airport capacity will be greatly increased. The alternative fuels suggestion is embryonic technology and there are immense technical problems to be overcome with hydrogen. Any alternative fuels must be brought to Gatwick by road further increasing traffic, pollution, and carbon emissions. Gatwick’s poll. The poll conducted by Gatwick to gauge support claims that 78% of local people favour its proposals. This poll was not representative since it followed presentations in urban areas not overflown and where significant numbers of airport employees live, EG Brighton and Croydon. Further, Gatwick’s poll question was a selective one and excluding "don’t knows”. "Strongly support" was actually just 13%. An earlier poll that set out options and asked genuinely local people resulted in 66% objecting to expansion at Gatwick. Airports Commission. The government appointed the Airports Commission to decide where additional runway capacity should be. After three years' study the Commission's Chairman, Sir Howard Davies, announced the "unanimous and unequivocal" decision that Heathrow was the preferred site, not Gatwick. Sir Howard went on to describe protestations as, “...Gatwick’s propaganda.” Expansion does not comply with the Airports National Policy Statement. Downstream Emissions. The forthcoming and imminent verdict in the matter of oil extraction at Horse Hill near Gatwick may be relevant, the Supreme Court currently considering whether the environmental impact of a development includes its downstream emissions. In conclusion Abinger Parish Council is strongly opposed to the expansion of Gatwick, as are other adjoining local authorities and county councils.