This announcement comes as no surprise as the consultation on the draft Masterplan was flawed. For example, Gatwick held roadshows away from the areas most affected by noise, the previously tranquil areas where residents now find themselves bombarded day and night by aircraft noise.
This is not just about noise however, but also about the ramifications of an airport seeking to increase aircraft movements by some 35% with the associated release of damaging CO2 into the atmosphere. Any saving of CO2 made by new aircraft technology is lost when you constantly increase the number of planes you fly.
This spells disaster for all local authorities housing plans, highway plans and other infrastructure.
Photo © Clive Darra
