Representation by Matthew Bennett
- Date submitted
- 19 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I believe that the expansion of London Gatwick and the regular usage of the Northern Runway will be excellent for the local area. Gatwick’s owners have committed massive investment into the expansion and improvement of the airport, without being at the taxpayers expense (unlike London Heathrow) which is already at capacity. The third runway at LHR would involve major delays on the already congested M25, and the expansion of LHR is to be funded by the public, including a huge amount of compulsory purchases, meaning increased taxes for the residents of London. The land around LGW is privately owned, and the compulsory purchases would be minimal. The increased trade at Gatwick would trickle down into the local community and businesses alike. You can see how vital Gatwick is to rhe local area and businesses, you only have to look back at the detrimental effect to the community during COVID. A large percentage of the community relies on the airport, be it businesses connected directly and indirectly with the airport, and obviously the continued employment of the local community in whole