Representation by Maria Esperanza Freeman de Freeman
- Date submitted
- 9 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very worried about the suggested expansion of Gatwick Airport on account of the following aspects: 1) Noise - Expansion of Gatwick would increase aircraft noise to the region. We understand the noise envelope proposed is not in line with government policy and CAA guidance. An issue which should be understood without any doubt or bias. 2) Climate change and air pollution - Expansion on the scale proposed would increase very substantially the CO2 emissions and reduce UK’s promised carbon reductions. 3) Transport impacts - There would be a very large increases in road traffic congestion and pollution to the region, not adequately accounted for in the proposals. 4) Flood Risk - There have been increasing instances of the local river network flooding over the years. Impacts under the airport's proposals are significant and need to be thoroughly examined and accounted for. 5) True Need - The case for expansion does not comply with the Airports National Policy Statement which requires airports (other than Heathrow) to demonstrate sufficient need to justify their expansion proposals, over and above those which will be met by the provision of the Northwest Runway at Heathrow. 6) Economic Case - The economic benefits of expanding Gatwick have been overstated. Significant economic, social and environmental costs have been ignored and/or understated. It is doubtful that the proposals economic case is truly valid or in line with the current government’s levelling-up agenda.