Consultation over Gatwick runway options

The proposed second runway at Gatwick is being considered by the Airports Commission

People in the South East will help shape the plans for Gatwick's proposed second runway, the airport has said.

The proposal is one of three Airports Commission options for expanding UK airport capacity. The other two involve building at Heathrow.

A six-week consultation starts on 4 April with 16 exhibitions in towns and villages in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

Gatwick Airport said it wanted to get opinions on its three runway options to help "refine and improve" them.

'Essential element'

Letters are to be sent to homes and businesses in the three counties giving details of the events.

Questions within the consultation will cover a range of topics including environmental, economic and social considerations.

Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, said: "The views of the local community are an essential element of shaping Gatwick's second runway options.

"Therefore it is important we hear from as many people as possible through our consultation so that we can consider local opinions in our refined runway proposals."

The exhibitions will be held in Crawley, Rusper, Smallfield, Ifield, Lingfield, Horsham, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Reigate, Crawley Down, Horley, Charlwood, Dorking, Edenbridge, Felbridge, Epsom.

The Airports Commission interim report was published in December. Detailed studies will be completed for short-listed options throughout 2014.

In 2015, the Airports Commission will make recommendations to the government on how to meet the need for additional airport capacity in the longer term.