Representation by Susan Elizabeth West
- Date submitted
- 27 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Expansion of Gatwick would significantly increase aircraft noise both for those living near the airport and for those further away under the flight path. We have lived under the flight path for years and, as Crowborough is the highest inland town in Sussex, the noise levels can be extreme. A ban on night flights should be a condition of any expansion at Gatwick. The airport should also be required to set out a comprehensive package of measures to incentivise the use of the quietest aircraft at night outside the hours of a ban. Expansion on the scale proposed would increase very substantially the CO2 emissions and other climate effects associated with Gatwick’s operations and flights. There are currently no proven technologies for reducing aviation emissions at scale. Expansion of Gatwick would therefore have a material impact on the UK’s ability to meet its carbon reduction targets. Carbon emissions will also result from construction works and increased road traffic to the airport. Flights and traffic will make air pollution worse. Road congestion is already intense on the M23 and theM25. Furthermore, unbelievably, I understand Gatwick has no plans to expand rail services. This growth at Gatwick will have a huge adverse environmental effect on our communities and countryside. The only people to benefit will be Gatwick's shareholders, most of whom are overseas based. Gatwick’s overall case for expansion does not comply with the Airports National Policy Statement which requires airports (other than Heathrow) to demonstrate sufficient need to justify their expansion proposals, additional to (or different from) the need which would be met by the provision of a Northwest Runway at Heathrow. This growth at Gatwick will have a huge adverse environmental effect on our communities and countryside. The only people to benefit will be Gatwick's shareholders. In summary, this is a plan devised to raise money for big business and share holders with no regard for the impact on the ground. I cannot overstate my distaste for and opposition to this plan.