Gatwick Airport is seeking to convert and extend their existing “emergency runway” in order to run an operational second runway. Their proposal is currently subject to an inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate who will make a recommendation to the Government.
Horsham MP, Jeremy Quin, who has been working closely with local councils and fellow parliamentarians on the issue spoke at the Inquiry at Gatwick on Thursday, 2nd May.
Sir Jeremy said that while he recognised the important role Gatwick plays in the local economy and welcomed better utilisation of their existing main runway, the airport should not be permitted to double in size.
After intense scrutiny in 2013-2016 the Government and Parliament determined in the national interest that runway expansion at Heathrow should be preferred over Gatwick. A substantial increase in Gatwick flights with millions of additional passengers passing through the area, Quin argued, would have implications for the current smooth running of the airport, on the UK’s wider airport expansion strategy and on carbon emissions. It would also have a significant impact locally including on ground transport links - potentially impacting Horsham residents getting to their nearest A&E hospital, especially during the 14 years of construction. It would also put pressure on other local services and impact air quality and the residents’ experience of aircraft noise.
He commented:
“Expanding Heathrow rather than Gatwick was the right decision taken by Parliament in the national interest. I fully support Gatwick operating on its existing runway but it should not be the focus for substantial expansion. Any increase should be managed and controlled to ensure Gatwick’s commitments on traffic, air quality, aircraft noise and carbon emissions are met.”