Gatwick expansion plans are due to be decided by government ministers later this year. Airport bosses are announcing they are prepared to make several changes to proposals relating to noise and public transport.
London Gatwick says bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.
The £2.2 billion project is privately financed and could serve up to 80 million passengers a year. And those at the airport claim it will drive growth. They claim it will inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs.
The plans include moving the runway (currently used as a standby) 12 metres. This would allow the UK’s second busiest airport to have a second fully functioning runway.
Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced in February she was “minded to grant” the proposal, providing key considerations were met.
Interested parties are currently able to provide feedback on additional conditions recommended by the Planning Inspectorate.
A final decision is due by October 2025. Gatwick say work could start this year and be complete by 2030.
Gatwick’s response
London Gatwick responded to the Secretary of State’s minded to approve letter last week. It incorporated feedback on key conditions related to noise and public transport
In its response Gatwick stated 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.
The response reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support delivery. This would include, for example, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service.
If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has also 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.  
If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350m of road improvements have been completed. This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.  
London Gatwick response also included measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions.
Read the full response on the Gatwick Airport website.
A list of comments from all interested parties can be found on the Planning Inspectorate website.
