Representation by Richard Lemon
- Date submitted
- 28 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to the expansion of Gatwick airport and it’s proposed conversion of an emergency runway into a second runway. Gatwick is already one of the busiest airports in Europe and it’s operations have considerable, negative impacts on both its surrounding communities and the environment. The noise levels from overflying aircraft for those who live within a 15 mile radius of Gatwick, and possibly further afield, are already at unacceptable levels and a second runway would undoubtedly make things worse. Claims of reduced aircraft noise through technological advancement are moot as Gatwick has no control over this so can to rely on it in any meaningful way. It is also now widely agreed that humans should be trying reduce their impact on the environment and in particular reducing the emission of gases that fuel global warming. The airline industry is a large contributor to the emission of such gases. Expanding airports and increasing the number of flights seems to contradict much of what we hear our government talk about in respect of climate change. In my opinion, Gatwick should be shrinking, not expanding. Kind regards