Gatwick Airport’s second runway is becoming more of a reality as the planning application to bring its existing northern runway into routine use has been accepted for detailed examination.
This detailed examination will be taken up by the Planning Inspectorate and, if approved, would bring the £2.2bn plan into a more formal use rather than an emergency backup.
As per New Civil Engineer, the plan involves the following:
- Repositioning of the northern runway (12m north) and reconfiguration of taxiways.
- Expansion of the terminal buildings
- A new pier and amendments to aircraft stands
- Other airport facilities, including a waste facility, a new hangar, and new fire training grounds
- New office space and hotel rooms
- An additional 18,500 car parking spaces
- Road improvement works
- Environmental and mitigation measures
Opposition to the Gatwick Expansion From Environmentalists…
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
There has been opposition voiced to this by Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE), who have said the following on the approval of this further examination:
“Time and time again, airports that seek expansion and growth during the climate emergency use the same straplines to convince the government that it will be good for the country and that everything else can be mitigated. Gatwick seems to have done the same.
“The planet cannot afford this expansion.”
“We are horrified that a government Planning Inspectorate would agree to a second runway when it impacts the wellbeing and house value of so many residents, as well as the planet.”
Tim Norwood, the Chief Planning Officer of Gatwick Airport, expressed happiness over this initial first step by the Planning Inspectorate:
“We are pleased that the application to take forward our Northern Runway plans has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate and will now progress to the examination stage of the DCO planning process.
“In coming weeks, the airport will let residents and other stakeholders know how they can register their interest in taking part in the examination stage of the planning process, so they can submit comments and feedback on our important proposals.”
Further examination is expected to take 18 months before an overall decision is made on this. Who will win? The environmentalists or the airport?
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
