Representation by Christina Louise Short
- Date submitted
- 28 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I oppose Gatwick Airport’s application for a northern runway because it is a new runway. At this time Gatwick does not have 2 runways that it can operate concurrently. The application is therefore for a new runway to be constructed; this fails to comply with the Government’s Aviation Strategy. Repurposing the emergency runway undermines passenger and staff safety and renders the airport unfit for purpose. • Increase in aircraft noise – On the 9th August 2014 the BBC reported that the Gatwick Airport flight path trial finished early after local residents complained of increased aircraft noise. Commenting then, Reigate MP Crispin Blunt said - "Overall, although airspace patterns and aircraft technology might eventually mitigate or lessen noise disturbances for those under aircraft leaving Gatwick, no-one should be in any doubt that a second runway at Gatwick Airport, and potentially a trebling in air movements, could make this problem a lot worse." This situation still stands, with additional concerns around the adverse health effects of e.g. poor sleep. • Quality jobs - The seasonal nature of airport business renders the possible 14 000 new jobs low skilled and of little job security. • Lack of affordable housing - In the Gatwick and wider area there is a lack of affordable housing. New housing developments are currently stalled while solutions to the extreme water stresses of the area and achieving water neutrality are sought. Any new housing development for Gatwick must be sited so as to enable workers to walk or cycle to work as the applicant proposes. Amenities across the area are stretched to capacity with access to GPs, dentists and schools, for example, limited if not impossible. • Road Access - An increase in flights from Gatwick will result in an increase in road traffic to the airport, which sits on a single main road, the M23. This is deemed an unsafe smart road. Adding to the traffic on the M23 will cause a significant increase in congestion on residential roads with an inevitable decline in air quality and increase in related health problems. • Rail access - Gatwick relies on the Brighton Main Line, this cannot be expanded. An additional 32million plus extra passengers will add an unacceptable burden to the line. • Climate emergency – the world burns and drowns. Adding a significant amount of carbon and greenhouse gases to by increasing airport capacity with the construction of a second runway defies logic at this time, when experts are concerned we have already reached the point of no return.