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GATWICK CO-ORDINATION GROUP OPPOSE GATWICK AIRPORT MASTERPLAN PROPOSALS
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GATWICK CO-ORDINATION GROUP OPPOSE GATWICK AIRPORT MASTERPLAN PROPOSALS
MP's
from the Gatwick Co-ordination Group have expressed concerns about the rapid
growth plans for Gatwick Airport. This follows Gatwick Airport's announcement of expansion plans for what could be a three runway airport.
The MP's shared
the following statement:
"Gatwick has grown significantly
over the past decade. It has offered greater numbers of flights to more
destinations and created jobs in the process. However, the benefits of growth
have not been well distributed with the local community.
"More people are impacted by Gatwick's noise
operations than 10 years ago, both close to the airport and many miles away
under flightpaths, creating health issues for local residents and congestion
through inadequate infrastructure.
"Over the past few years Gatwick Airport has
continually under invested in the local amenities and social infrastructure
that would be required to support a project of this size and scale. We cannot
support expansion of the Airport without a comprehensive investment in the
local area which would ease pressure on the over-stretched road and rail
systems serving the airport.
"At a time of increasing concern about the
environmental impact of global aviation growth, the proposed expansion plans
would see a marked increase in carbon emissions, with clearer environmental
consequences for us all. We should not be looking at unchecked expansion at our
local airports but seeking managed growth that is proportionate to our other
national priorities.
"The safeguarding of land for a new full runway
is a clear indication that Gatwick has future plans to build a third runway, as
well as converting the current standby runway into a second runway.
With
today's announcement it is now clear that Gatwick Airport's new owners are
determined to push for rapid commercial expansion and aviation growth despite
the restrictions imposed upon the airport by its poor transport connections and
its rural position adjacent to Green Belt land as well as the arguments made
against a third runway at Gatwick in the London Runway Review.
"We are keen to enable the airport to make
viable returns for its shareholders however this also requires a sustainable
and achievable plan for the future of Gatwick Airport which acknowledges the
limitations on aviation growth at the site that exist due to local
infrastructure, environmental and geographical factors.
"Gatwick Airport's plans to build up to have up
to three runways in operation do not represent a sustainable plan for the
environment and the local community. It would mean more noise, more carbon
emissions, faster climate change, more health problems for local residents and
greater congestion. We have written to the Secretary of State to indicate our
opposition."
- Sir Paul Beresford MP, Member of Parliament for Mole Valley
- Crispin Blunt MP, Member of Parliament for Reigate
- The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells
- Gillian Keegan MP, Member of Parliament for Chichester
- The Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Soames MP, Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex
- Tom Tugendhat MP, Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling
Jeremy Quin MP, Member of Parliament for Horsham
We are awaiting confirmation of the position being taken by East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah
