A second runway at Gatwick is on the shortlist of the Government’s Airports Commission report as a possibility in addressing air capacity in the South East; not surprisingly, this has brought huge concern and despair for many in the area. This week, Gatwick airport announced a 6-week public consultation on this proposal, giving the public an opportunity, a voice, to have their say on the proposed development and the airports three options.
Letters will be sent to thousands of households, as far afield as Dorking, Epsom and Crawley, together with a questionnaire that will cover a range of topics, such as the economic benefits and environmental impact. The 6-week consultation is due to start on 4th April and during this period, Gatwick will provide more information on their options for the new second runway at the airport. The results of the consultation will be published in the summer in an independent report that will be compiled by Ipsos Mori, the market research firm.
Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive at Gatwick, said: “The views of the local community are an essential element in 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 fully in our refined runway proposals.”
The three options put forward by the airport are located to the south of the existing runway; option one proposes using one runway for departures and the other for arrivals, but they could not be used at the same time; option two is located further south of the existing runway, again one for departures and the other for arrivals, and would allow both runways to be used at the same time; the third option – the preferred choice of the airport – proposes the runway being located 1,045m beyond the current runway and would allow both runways to be used for departures and arrivals.
Have your say: public consultations will be held in Reigate, Horley, Charlwood, Smallfield, Lingfield, Dorking and Epsom (dates to be confirmed), from 4th April to 16th May.
By Oliver Derek
