Representation by Darja Knotkova-Hanley
- Date submitted
- 19 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am strongly against the plans to bring in Gatwick’s emergency runway (Northern Runway) into regular use. I believe there would be many negative impacts on neighbouring districts should these plans go ahead. There will be many major environmental impacts for residents of neighbouring districts using footpaths such as the Sussex Border Path and parks such as Riverside Garden Park. The complete loss of vegetation between the east carriage way and the Sussex Border Path, as well as the removal of mature oak trees immediately north of the Sussex border path due to the construction are deeply concerning. Plants and trees take years to grow, and the biodiversity loss is completely unacceptable to Sussex residents and cannot be properly replaced even if new vegetation, trees and shrubs are planted. This habitat and biodiversity loss to this Sussex landscape is completely unacceptable. Additionally, with the destruction of mature oak trees, hedgerow which is the boundary of the north side of the Sussex border path, pedestrians would be exposed to an unacceptable level of noise, pollution and open-traffic views. This impact would also be permanent even if new vegetation was planted as it may never have the correct environmental conditions to grow. There will also be major environmental damage to important local parks people use including Riverside Park and Garden in Horley with residents being exposed to unacceptable motorway and traffic noise during construction. If the plans for the substantial airport expansion, go ahead an unacceptable amount of carbon dioxide will be released and air quality and pollution will significantly worsen in neighbouring districts. This will directly impact residents’ health and well-being.