Dear [name]
Gatwick Airport Draft Master Plan 2018
I would like to alert you to CPRE Sussex’s concerns about the Gatwick Airport Draft Master Plan 2018 and ask you to strongly oppose proposals to increase the number of operational runways for the following reasons;
- the proposed expansion at Gatwick would result in significantly increased levels of noise and air pollution across Sussex, with damaging consequences for the well-being and quality of life for residents and for the natural environment. Increased noise from overflying aircraft would extend beyond the footprint identified in the Master Plan, as this excludes planes flying above 7000 feet, even though these can be clearly heard;
- that existing high level of pressure on the local housing market and infrastructure would be increased by extra airport employees to the detriment of existing residents. The employment rate in the Gatwick Airport catchment is already at a high level (Crawley Borough: 82%; UK: 78%, March 2018.) Pressures on roads and rail would also be increased by the extra movement of people and goods through the airport;
- the expansion of Heathrow Airport, rather than Gatwick Airport, has been agreed by the Government after lengthy assessments and debate. Expansion of Gatwick Airport, in addition to Heathrow Airport, risks increasing the regional imbalance in the UK at a time when the Government is seeking to encourage growth outside the south east of England.
Please will you register opposition to the Gatwick Airport Draft Master Plan at www.gatwickairport.com/masterplan2018 and raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Transport. The online consultation portal for the draft Master Plan is open until 10th January, you may want to flag this up to your constituents so that they are able to respond.
I would be pleased to meet you to discuss CPRE Sussex’s concerns about the Plan in more detail and to answer any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
David Johnson, Chair
Download our leaflet Reject Gatwick's plan for 3 Runways below