Representation by Holly Hunter
- Date submitted
- 7 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I live in (Redacted) and when we bought our house nearly 13 years ago were fully aware of the proximity to Gatwick airport. We accepted the associated impact of aircraft noise on our property and lives. If the second runway gets built it will have a significant impact on the noise that we encounter both in terms of levels and frequency. When we are outside we cannot have a conversation with anyone more than 2m away from us when an aircraft flies overhead, because voices cannot be heard over the sound of the planes. We have accepted this, for the short period of time it happens for each plane, but if the frequency of aircrafts increases it will have a serious impact upon our day to day lives. For example I have small children and if I am unable to catch their attention or contact them in the garden because of the plane noise then this could create potentially dangerous situations. I oppose the proposed plans on the basis of the obvious environmental impacts, which include air pollution, and light pollution and the destruction of local habitats and wildlife. I find it incomprehensible that in a world where we are trying to save our planet, and looking at alternative means of transport and fuel, we are looking to encourage, promote and support an industry which is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Finally I object to the increase in construction traffic during the build period and also the increase in numbers travelling to the airport, once the airport is open. The country roads around us are not wide enough to accommodate lorries/trucks etc and the number of bends and areas that regularly flood will only create further accidents. The infrastructure is just not in place to accommodate such a huge influx of traffic and people. As a surveyor I have worked on large scale commercial developments all my life. I support sustainable developments and understand that there will always be a balance between the benefits and impacts of construction but the impacts are too great for the second runway to go ahead in such a sensitive, rural location that does not have the infrastructure to support such a large scale project.