London Gatwick has officially responded to the Secretary of State for Transport revealing she is ‘minded to grant consent’ for Gatwick’s Northern Runway planning application.
The Secretary of State made the comment in a letter in late February.
In its response London Gatwick said it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise and has 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 prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation and supports measures required to meet this target.
This would include, it says, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service.
If this 54% target cannot be achieved, it has also proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit to be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about road congestion.
Failing this, Gatwick says it would support a delay to the Northern Runway operation until £350m of road improvements have been completed.
London Gatwick also responded to the Secretary of State on a number of other matters including measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions.
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick said: “This project represents a £2.2billion 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. “
“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 £1billion a year in economic benefits.”
“We look forward to receiving the Secretary of State’s final decision later this year.” A final decision is expected by 27 October.
