The proposed expansion would enable Gatwick Airport to have around 100,000 more flights a year.
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The Transport Secretary has announced she is willing to support the expansion of Gatwick airport if the project is adjusted to reduce the noise from planes.
Heidi Alexander said the Planning Inspectorate has suggested that plans for a second runway would be approved if changes are made, including noise prevention measures and ensuring a proportion of passengers travel by public transport.
She has said: “I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision.”
Plan to convert emergency runway
Gatwick wants to turn a runway that is currently only used for taxiing or as an emergency back-up and make it operational by the end of the decade.
This would will allow it to be used for narrower planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
The project to expand the UK’s second busiest airport will be privately financed, costing £2.2 billion.
Public ‘pessimistic about expansion plans’
A recent poll has suggested that nearly three-quarters of people do not feel that they will benefit from the expansion.
A YouGov survey carried out by two climate charities, Possible and Climate Outreach, appeared to show that just one in five people believe creating more airport capacity will have a positive impact on the cost of living.
“Policymakers should focus on what people need and want: warmer homes, stable and affordable energy bills and viable public transport options”
Rachel Orr, chief executive of Climate Outreach
The poll of over 2,000 people found that 73% questioned the benefits of a second runway, with 45% saying it will not benefit them at all.
Alethea Warrington from climate campaigners Possible said: “Ordinary British people can see what our politicians refuse to admit: expanding airports is as bad for the economy as it is for the climate.”
‘Government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth’
A government source heralded the news as “an important step forward” and declared that “that this Government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth”.
They added that “expansion will bring huge benefits for business and represents a victory for holidaymakers.
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HeadlineGovernment backs second runway at Gatwick
Short HeadlineGovernment backs Gatwick expansion
StandfirstThe Transport Secretary says she will back plans for a second runway, after planning authority indicated it would approved if changes are made.
The Transport Secretary has announced she is willing to support the expansion of Gatwick airport if the project is adjusted to reduce the noise from planes.
Heidi Alexander said the Planning Inspectorate has suggested that plans for a second runway would be approved if changes are made, including noise prevention measures and ensuring a proportion of passengers travel by public transport.
She has said: “I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision.”
Plan to convert emergency runway
Gatwick wants to turn a runway that is currently only used for taxiing or as an emergency back-up and make it operational by the end of the decade.
This would will allow it to be used for narrower planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
The project to expand the UK’s second busiest airport will be privately financed, costing £2.2 billion.
Public ‘pessimistic about expansion plans’
A recent poll has suggested that nearly three-quarters of people do not feel that they will benefit from the expansion.
A YouGov survey carried out by two climate charities, Possible and Climate Outreach, appeared to show that just one in five people believe creating more airport capacity will have a positive impact on the cost of living.
“Policymakers should focus on what people need and want: warmer homes, stable and affordable energy bills and viable public transport options”
Rachel Orr, chief executive of Climate Outreach
The poll of over 2,000 people found that 73% questioned the benefits of a second runway, with 45% saying it will not benefit them at all.
Alethea Warrington from climate campaigners Possible said: “Ordinary British people can see what our politicians refuse to admit: expanding airports is as bad for the economy as it is for the climate.”
‘Government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth’
A government source heralded the news as “an important step forward” and declared that “that this Government will stop at nothing to deliver economic growth”.
They added that “expansion will bring huge benefits for business and represents a victory for holidaymakers.
