Gatwick airport has submitted a notice to the Planning Inspectorate of its intention to bring its existing northern runway into regular use.
Following the publication of its master plan in July, Gatwick announced it would prepare a planning application to bring its standby runway into routine use for smaller, departing aircraft by the mid-2020s.
Tim Norwood, Gatwick’s chief planning officer, said: “This project has the capacity to offer significant local economic benefits, new jobs and an exciting future for the region.
“As we take our plans forward, we are committed to working in partnership with our local communities, councils and partners to ensure we grow sustainably and present information in a clear and transparent way, including a more detailed stage of public consultation on the project next year.”
The first stages in the process involve Gatwick carrying out surveys and preparing environmental information later this year.
A public consultation will be held next year, after which further updates to the plans will be included.
An application for development consent will then be made to the Planning Inspectorate, who will examine the application and provide a recommendation to the Secretary of State.