Last week I attended the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign AGM. “GACC” seeks to improve the environment around the Airport and has provided considerable support to those of us in Parliament campaigning against runway expansion at Gatwick.
That campaign continues: a sub-committee of Cabinet Ministers are reviewing the Davies Commission’s Report (which unanimously supported expansion at Heathrow) while the Transport Department negotiate with the possible contenders. An announcement is expected by the end of this year.
Meanwhile even with only one runway there are ongoing concerns on aircraft noise. The introduction of what is essentially plane “sat nav” resulted in flight paths becoming more concentrated, overflying areas unused to regular traffic and doing so repeatedly. The impact on residents, especially in the case of night flights, has been extreme. It is an issue I have raised on many occasions in Westminster, including on the floor of the Commons.
I am pleased that having recognised the strength of feeling on this issue, Gatwick have established an independent review. I have spoken to those conducting it: they come to challenge of recommending how to reduce aircraft noise with highly respectable credentials in the field and a determination to produce an independent, valuable analysis. I am pleased that they have agreed to undertake a public meeting to explain their role and take comments/feedback from residents. This community meeting is open to all (“first come, first served”) and will take place on Friday 27th November at 6:30pm at Warnham Village Hall. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to discuss their concerns on flight paths and aircraft noise. I hope many of those affected will be able to attend.
One of the Davies Commission’s very sensible proposals was for a permanent independent Commission to act as a fair arbiter on issues such as aircraft noise. I hope that such a Commission is indeed implemented. However in the meantime Gatwick’s independent analysis appears well intentioned, there are steps available for the Airport to take to improve matters and I am hopeful that residents’ positive engagement with those preparing the Report will be time well spent.