Representation by Marilyn Bull
- Date submitted
- 9 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
My objections to the application include the fact that, unlike Gatwick’s claim that it is repurposing an existing runway, it would require the construction of an entirely new one, including taxiways and relevant buildings. In addition to this, green land would be built on to achieve this. Public transport links cannot be altered and existing ones will not support the increase in use. Local motorways are already congested and, again, will not withstand additional use. There will be significant additional pollution in the area as a result of increased traffic and aircraft. There would also be a significant increase in noise pollution. In the area that I live, since buying our house, we have become overflown as a result of Gatwick’s altering flight paths and so we are now affected by Routes 3 and 4 as well as Heathrow also now directing aircraft over the area. Any increase in air traffic would compound this situation. The areas surrounding the airport, have levels of unemployment which are far lower than the national average. Workers would need to be brought in from other areas, creating the need for more housing, schools, medical services etc which would all in turn add to more congestion and more pollution in an already densely populated area. There would be no benefit to the local community whatsoever. The South East already has many airports including London's Heathrow, Luton and Stanstead airports in addition to Gatwick and it is hard to imagine a genuine need for more capacity at Gatwick.