Gatwick to accept stricter limits on noise for northern runway

Gatwick airport has agreed to stricter limits on aircraft noise as it seeks approval to make full use of its northern runway.

In March, transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “minded to approve” the £2.2 billion scheme to bring the emergency runway into regular use.

In its response to her move, Gatwick has accepted stricter limits on noise and put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.  

The airport has also accepted a requirement to have 54% of passengers using public transport before to bringing the northern runway into operation.

However, it reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support improvements required to meet this target. This would include, for example, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service.

Gatwick has also responded to the secretary of state on other matters including measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick chief executive, said: “This project represents a £2.2 billion 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 £1 billion 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 southeast and beyond. 

“We look forward to receiving the secretary of state’s final decision later this year.”

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