Representation by Gatwick Co-ordination Group (Gatwick Co-ordination Group)
- Date submitted
- 27 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing, in my capacity as Chair of the Gatwick Co-ordination group of MPs, to object to Gatwick Airport Ltd.’s proposal to bring its Northern Runway into routine use. The Gatwick Co-ordination Group comprises MPs for constituencies which are already impacted by the level of noise from the existing use of Gatwick Airport which causes significant disturbance to many residents. A point of particular concern is Gatwick’s analysis, found in paragraph 8.1.15 of its Transport Assessment Report, that points to a prospective 70% increase in the number of air traffic movement between 2016 and 2032 – of which 30% is specifically attributable to the proposal. Such an increase in the frequency of aircraft movements would be substantially diminish the quality of life of our constituents – the noise would go from being frequent to more or less constant. All local MPs want Gatwick to be successful. Many of our constituents use the airport for business and leisure travel and many are employed directly or indirectly by the airport and the businesses that depend on it. But recognising the value of a convenient airport does not mean that residents can be taken for granted. The proposal as it stands would cause material harm and should be refused. Rt Hon Greg Clark MP Chair, Gatwick Co-ordination group