Gatwick Airport Receives Approval for £2.2bn Second Runway Plan
Gatwick Airport has been given the green light to proceed with a £2.2 billion plan for a second runway, sparking immediate criticism from environmental groups and opposition parties. The project aims to significantly increase the airport’s capacity,but faces potential legal challenges over its environmental impact and funding arrangements.
The approval allows Gatwick to move forward with building a new runway to the south of the existing one, increasing capacity from 60 million to 70 million passengers a year. Airport officials say the expansion will generate economic growth and create jobs.
Though, cagne, an aviation community and habitat group representing Sussex, Surrey and Kent, has announced its readiness to launch a judicial review, funded by residents and environmental bodies. The group argues that the government is disregarding the environmental consequences of aviation and that Gatwick should bear the full cost of necessary infrastructure improvements, including wastewater treatment and noise mitigation. “We certainly know this government cares little for the environmental impact aviation is having on our planet and Gatwick’s neighbours, but not to demand that Gatwick pays for the infrastructure, the onsite wastewater treatment plant, and noise impact is unlawful in our book,” a spokesperson for Cagne stated.
Green party leader zack Polanski condemned the decision as a “disaster,” asserting it “ignores basic climate science and risks undermining efforts to tackle the climate crisis.” He criticized Labor’s support for the expansion, questioning the cost to the environment and local communities.
The news comes after Heathrow Airport submitted plans in july for a third runway as part of a £50 billion investment. That expansion, if approved, would allow for over 750 additional flights daily and increase passenger numbers to 150 million annually. The two-mile (3.2km) Heathrow runway expansion would require diverting a section of the M25 motorway.
