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London Gatwick Airport has received approval for a second runway as part of a £2.2 billion privately-financed project. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has given the green light for the new runway, which involves moving the current Northern Runway 12 meters to bring it into regular use alongside other extensions to the airport’s facilities. The airport anticipates that these plans will create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy, though there has been opposition from concerned groups and campaigners regarding the impact on the surrounding area.
Currently, Gatwick manages around 280,000 flights annually, with projections indicating that this number could be raised to 389,000 by the late 2030s with the addition of the new runway. Described as a “no-brainer for growth” by a government source, plans are in place for planes to be utilizing the new runway before the upcoming general election. The airport, based in West Sussex, is recognized as Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, catering to over 40 million passengers each year.
In response to planning inspectors’ concerns about the potential impact on the airport’s surroundings, Gatwick Airport has agreed to implement stricter noise controls, an enhanced insulation scheme for nearby residents, and an increased focus on public transport utilization. The proposed plans include facilitating 40,000 additional flights before the new runway becomes operational, and a further 70,000 once fully developed. Despite the approved expansion, critics such as Green Party leader Zack Polanski and activist Hannah Lawrence argue that the project disregards the urgent need for climate action and sustainable transport solutions.
Sally Pavey, the chair of Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), expressed apprehension about the consequences of expanded operations at the airport. Concerns over uncontrollable noise, traffic disruptions, deteriorating air quality, and climate change implications were highlighted as key issues. Notably, opposition groups have threatened legal action through a judicial review should the expansion proceed. Gatwick’s expansion is part of a wider trend of airport developments, with recent approvals including Luton Airport’s expansion in June. The government has also shown support for a third runway at Heathrow, signaling ongoing debates and challenges surrounding airport infrastructure projects
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