GATWICK Airport’s £2.2billion expansion is set to get the go-ahead – paving the way for 100,000 extra flights a year and boosting Britain’s economy.
Ministers are backing the project despite initial opposition from planning chiefs, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expected to approve it.
Gatwick Airport[/caption]
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander[/caption]
The Planning Inspectorate had raised concerns over how passengers would get to the airport and when noise mitigation measures would be introduced.
But instead of rejecting the proposal outright, it has suggested minor tweaks to address those issues.
Gatwick has been given until April 24 to respond – with hopes that planes could take off from a new runway before the end of this Parliament.
A Government source said: “The Transport Secretary has set out a path to approving the expansion of Gatwick today following the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation to refuse the original application.
“This is an important step forward and demonstrates that this government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth and new infrastructure as part of our Plan for Change.
“Expansion will bring huge benefits for business and represents a victory for holidaymakers.
“We want to deliver this opportunity in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.
“We look forward to Gatwick’s response as they have indicated planes could take off from a new runway before the end of this Parliament.”
The key sticking points in the revised plans include how many passengers will use public transport.
The Planning Inspectorate wants a legally binding target of people arriving by train or bus.
But Gatwick bosses argue this is unrealistic, as they don’t control the rail network.
They have also pushed back against demands to implement all noise mitigation measures before the new runway opens, saying they need to phase them in to help fund the project.
It comes after Ms Alexander told an industry event she had no intention of “clipping anyone’s wings”, adding: “I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior. I love flying, I always have.”
The Cabinet Minister also argued the Government’s plan for change depended on “aviation’s success”.
She went on: “But that growth depends on us running as fast as we can towards cleaner aviation… For us here tonight, that means running hell for leather towards greener and quieter flights.
“I therefore see both decarbonisation and modernisation, above all, as a moral mission.”
The £2.2 billion project would see Gatwick’s northern runway shifted 12 metres further north, allowing it to operate alongside the main runway.
Ministers insist the expansion must align with climate targets, but believe quieter aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will help cut emissions.
But green campaigners blasted the decision as “unbelievable”, with activists warning of a legal battle over noise, pollution, and pressure on local infrastructure.
The Sussex airport could handle an additional 100,000 flights per year if the Government waves through its development consent order.
