Issues 'still not addressed' over Gatwick plans

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport

A council has raised concerns about how its residents may be impacted by plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport.

Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) responded to a government consultation in March 2024 about the expansion and flagged concerns about the impact on communities in the south of its constituency, as well as local transport links.

Nigel Williams, the council's cabinet member for development and infrastructure, said although the government acknowledged some concerns, "significant issues have not been properly addressed".

The Department of Transport said it was unable to comment as a legal challenge period had begun.

The £2.2bn privately-financed project involves in effect moving the current Northern Runway 12m (39.4ft) to bring it into regular use, as well as other developments, including extending the size of terminals.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plans would create "thousands of jobs and billions in investment", but the project has faced opposition and the Green Party described it as a "disaster".

'Voice of communities'

The council, which supported the project in principle, acknowledged the "significant economic benefits" the expansion could bring to the local tourism industry, but said possible negative impacts "should be mitigated properly".

Mr Williams added: "While the expansion includes some stricter noise controls and an enhanced insulation scheme for nearby residents, our communities in the south of the district, who live directly below the flight paths, are not eligible for help."

The local authority also wanted clarity on how the airport's net zero ambitions would be delivered and asked for more consideration to be given to the wider road and rail infrastructure needs created by the expansion.

"We will take an active role in ongoing engagement with the airport to ensure the voice of our communities continues to be heard," Mr Williams said.

A spokesperson for Gatwick said: "Noise and environmental impacts will be minimised through quieter aircraft, a noise cap and emission-reducing measures.

"London Gatwick is also committing to spending a quarter of a billion pounds to reach net zero for its own operations by 2030."

Gatwick currently handles about 280,000 flights a year. It says the plan will allow that number to rise to about 389,000 by the late 2030s.