Updated: Local residents pledge legal action against Gatwick second runway approval 

Local residents and environmental bodies have pledged to fund a judicial review after Gatwick was granted the green light to bring a second stand-by runway into full use.

 

The airport’s owner welcomed the government’s approval of the £2.2 billion scheme ahead of an expected deadline of the end of October. 

 

The planning application proposes repositioning the centre line of the secondary northern runway 12 metres north to allow dual runway operations.

 

Construction could be completed and be ready for operational use by the turn of the decade.

 

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander issued a “minded to approve” letter for Gatwick’s growth plans in February and has now given the green light, paving the way for up to 100,000 extra flights a year by the late 2030s.

 

A government source was widely reported on Sunday as saying: “With capacity constraints holding back business, trade and tourism, this is a no-brainer for growth.

 

“This government has taken unprecedented steps to get this done, navigating a needlessly complex planning system, which our reforms will simplify in future. It is possible that planes could be taking off from a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election.

 

“Any airport expansion must be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements.”

 

Former Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate, now UK managing director for owner Vinci Airports, said: “After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the government’s approval of plans to bring our northern runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline. 

 

“This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK, and create thousands of jobs.” 

 

He added: “As we’ve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in.  

 

“We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.” 

 

Gatwick agreed in April to stricter limits on aircraft noise put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents and accepted a requirement to have 54% of passengers using public transport before to bringing the northern runway into operation.

 

But Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), the umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, confirmed it would take legal action through a judicial review due to the impact on the environment.

 

A spokesperson said: “We know this government cares little for the environmental impact aviation is having on our planet and Gatwick’s neighbours, but not to demand that Gatwick pays for the infrastructure, the onsite wastewater treatment plant, and noise impact is unlawful in our book.”

 

Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten said: “The BTA welcomes the approval of Gatwick’s second runway as good news for business travel and UK growth, provided the expansion is delivered sustainably and without cost to the public purse.

 

“There appears to be uncertainty around how commitments on transport access will be enforced. What matters is that travellers are given reliable, practical options, not voluntary aspirations that may leave room for higher drop-off charges or parking fees under the guise of sustainability.

 

“Business travellers need workable surface access at all times of day. An increase in Gatwick Express services may suit some, but it does not help someone travelling from outside London for a 9am flight. 

 

“Expansion must be about accessibility, choice and genuine sustainability in practice, not just principle. 

 

“We urge government and Gatwick to set binding, fair frameworks that protect travellers and businesses alike.”

 

Abta public affairs director Luke Petherbridge said: “Abta welcomes today’s decision to drive forward Gatwick’s expansion. 

 

“As an island nation, international travel and trade remains vital to the UK economy - with Abta research showing outbound travel alone generates £52 billion in GVA [gross value added] annually and supports 818,000 jobs across the country. 

 

“We also believe that growth can be delivered in a sustainable way – with new aviation fuels, technological advancements, and operational improvements helping to deliver reduced emissions in line with the government’s net zero commitment.”

 

AirportsUK chief executive Karen Dee said: “We welcome the approval of Gatwick Airport’s plans to bring its northern runway into use by the transport secretary.

 

“This represents £2.2 billion of private investment that will create 14,000 jobs and contribute £1 billion annually to the region’s economy

 

“UK airports already contribute £1 billion a week in gross value added, support nearly one million jobs, and facilitate almost £100 billion in trade through air freight.

 

“Expanding capacity at our airports, which will take place in accordance with the sector’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation by 2050, will support economic growth.

 

“There is still a lot of work to be done, however, and we will continue to engage on behalf of all UK airports to deliver the growth we need.”

 

The approval follows government support for a third runway and expansion plans at Luton and London City airports.