The Secretary of State for Transport’s said on February 27 she is “minded to grant consent” for the Northern Runway at planning application if it met certain requests.
London Gatwick has today (April 25) responded positively to these, stating it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise and has put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.
The airport has outlined a position similar to the scheme recently approved for London Luton, which goes well beyond existing standards.
This includes tiered financial payments for residents in residential properties impacted by noise between 54 and 57 decibels and 57 and 60 decibels.
Residential properties impacted by noise levels of 60 decibels and above will be eligible for full noise insulation (with no financial cap).
London Gatwick has also accepted a requirement to have 54 per cent of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation but reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support delivery of the necessary conditions and improvements required to meet this target.
This would include reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service.
Aerial view of Gatwick Airport in Sussex. (Image: Nicholas T. Ansell/PA Wire) READ MORE: Plan unveiled for direct train from Brighton to Birmingham and Newcastle
London Gatwick submitted its Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on 6 July 2023.
The application was accepted on August 3 2023 and a detailed six-month public examination concluded in August 2024.
The Planning Inspectorate submitted its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport on November 27 2024.
On February 27 the Secretary of State for Transport said she was “minded to grant consent” to the application.
Stating that the Planning Inspectorate had recommended a range of operational controls on the scheme (not all of which had been considered during the Examination) she provided additional time to seek views from London Gatwick and other parties on these provisions, prior to making a final decision which is expected by October 27.
Given the reliance on other parties to achieve this 54 per cent target, to address concerns about possible road congestion, London Gatwick has also proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit to be met before first use of the Northern Runway.
If not met, use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350m of road improvements have been completed to make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated.
London Gatwick has also responded to the Secretary of State on a number of other matters including measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions.
Stewart Wingate, ceo of London Gatwick, said: “This project represents a £2.2bn investment, fully funded by our shareholders, and it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to make full use of the Northern Runway.
“We are confident that our amended proposals will allow us to grow sustainably and meet passenger demand, while addressing the matters raised by the Secretary of State in her letter, including noise and environmental impacts.
“Growth is at the heart of the Government’s agenda and we are fully supportive of the drive to work with businesses to create good quality jobs, reignite the economy and drive innovation around the country.
“Our plans will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn a year in economic benefits. By increasing resilience and capacity we can also support the UK’s position as a leader in global connectivity and deliver substantial trade and economic growth in the South East and beyond.
“We look forward to receiving the Secretary of State’s final decision later this year.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
