Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans are moving closer after receiving government consent. The expansion is projected to inject an additional ยฃ1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs across the south east.
The airport, which borders the east of Surrey, is the UK’s second busiest. It claims bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.
The airport adds the ยฃ2.2 billion project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money and is shovel ready. Plus, it will continue to operate as the work progresses.
Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, granted consent for the Development Consent Order this week after a detailed review of the proposal.
Despite some clarifications from the airport announced in April, there remain concerns from communities about noise and congestion. Transport and sustainability are also key issues.
Stewart Wingate,ย VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdomย said:ย โAfter a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline.ย
โThis is another important gateway in the planning process for this ยฃ2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.
โAs weโve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in.
“We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.โ
Gatwick expansion plans
Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans include moving the existing northern runway 12 metres to allow London Gatwick to have a second fully functioning runway.
Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.
The airport says it is already a major catalyst for growth. And that its plan meets the Government’s test of making best use of existing infrastructure and maximising growth.
Gatwick’s response to the national planning process said it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.
Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation. This would require increased rail services.
If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion. โฏ
If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until ยฃ350 million of road improvements have been completed. This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.
About Gatwick Airport
With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UKโs second largest and one of Europeโs top ten airports. It generates ยฃ5.5 billion GVA and supports over 76,000 jobs (2023 report).
Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations. It has a capacity of 55 movements an hour. This makes London Gatwick the most efficient single runway airport in the world.
The airport sits 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected. More than a quarter of Englandโs population is less than one hour away by road or rail.
A six-year, ยฃ2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030.
