A number of constituents have contacted me about the potential Gatwick Airport Expansion. I appreciate that there are a number of local concerns around this issue.
The core of the Gatwick expansion plan revolves around the construction of a smaller Northern Runway. Alongside the runway, there are plans for an expansion of terminal buildings, a new pier, adjustments to aircraft stands, development of various airport facilities, including a waste facility, a new hangar, and new fire training grounds, additional office space and hotel rooms, 18,500 more car parking spaces, road improvement works, and various environmental and mitigation measures.
Airport growth has a key role to play in boosting our global connectivity and the UK economy and the Government remains supportive of airports across the UK bringing forward ambitious proposals to invest in their infrastructure. And I understand this proposed expansion of Gatwick Airport could eventually enable the airport to serve 75 million passengers, up from 45 million.
I understand that London Gatwick Airport formally submitted the Development Consent Order (DCO) to convert its standby runway for regular use on the 6th of July 2023. Any such application is made to the Planning Inspectorate, who will consider the application, and if accepted, hold a public inquiry. A report and recommendation will then be sent to the Secretary of State for Transport for a decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent. This examination process would run roughly until mid-2024, with a final decision expected by late 2024. If the project is granted, actual construction work would commence in 2025. And the Northern Runway expected to become operational by 2030, while construction of other associated components would continue until 2038.
The Government has accepted the case for expansion and the Airports Commission’s shortlist of options for expansion. It is vitally important we get the decision right so that it will benefit generations to come. I understand that all three schemes are still under consideration - a new runway at Heathrow, an extended northern runway at Heathrow, and a new runway at Gatwick.
More can be read about the project here:
It's crucial to note that while Gatwick expansion is privately funded, the Government has set strict criteria on air quality, noise, and climate change that must be met for approval. This ensures that any expansion is not at the expense of our environment and the well-being of our community.
Further, if you would like to find out more about the Government’s plans for the future of aviation and the JetZero plan, I recently wrote about this on my website:
https://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/aviation-and-jet-zero
I know any expansion of Gatwick Airport would be of significance to constituents as it has close proximity to us. Therefore, I will continue to engage with constituents on this topic closely and follow developments of its progress.
Thank you again for all those who took the time to contact me on this issue.