Representation by Kristian Stringer
- Date submitted
- 19 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I strongly oppose Gatwick airport’s intention to massively increase capacity by converting its emergency runway for regular use. My first objection is the huge increase in carbon emissions that this extra capacity will have. We are already seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change due to greenhouse gasses made by the burning of fossil fuels. This, according to the vast majority of climate scientists, will cause irreversible damage if we continue to ignore the warnings. It seems utterly insane to continue to increase the rate that we are creating these very harmful emissions by encouraging expansion in aviation. It’s very unlikely that aircraft will ever be able to be fuelled by sustainable means, and definitely not in the next few decades. By which time it is more than likely going to be too late. My second objection is about the massive increase in noise pollution the extra runway will cause. The main departure route from Gatwick (route 4) passes over and adjacent to parts of the Surrey Hills AONB - a designated protected zone which is subject to a number of restrictions, one of which is its protection of tranquilty. Gatwick’s expansion will further ruin the tranquility of this beautiful area. My third objection will be to the amount of development and disturbance the expansion of the airport will bring to the infrastructure surrounding Gatwick. Sensitive areas will be lost to the bulldozer in the creation of new road links and housing that will be completely necessary to facilitate the running of the airport. In all respects, the intentions of Gatwick to expand to having a second runway will be an environmental disaster, and permission must be refused. Regards, Kristian Stringer