Representation by Lisa Jane Dunning
- Date submitted
- 6 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Enhancing the present emergency runway to one which is used on a regular basis at the same time as the present permanent runway will amount to creating a totally new runway. This therefore would not comply with the Government's policy on aviation strategy. There are only very minimal infrastructure improvements being offered for a second runway. For example, there is little social and/affordable housing nearby and there will be few opportunities for employees to walk or cycle to work. A large number of employees are likely to be low earners and therefore need social housing and will be unable to aspire to an "affordable" home since many if these are not truly affordable. Travelling to Gatwick from the wider area would also be problematic for the increased numbers of workers, passengers and goods services. East Croydon station has limited capacity and will be unable to expand train services. Moreover, the M23 has been found unsafe as a smart motorway so is unsuitable for more traffic. There will be a greatly increased use of minor roads and all additional traffic will reduce air quality and increase pollution. There will be an unacceptable increase in aircraft noise to the detriment of thousands of people living and working in the area. Finally, and most importantly, we are in the midst of a climate emergency and we must all do our bit to reduce carbon emissions. The increased number of flights envisaged would be a disaster for the area, the whole country and indeed the whole planet.