Any plans to expand Gatwick including a new runway would clearly have massive implications for the Sussex countryside, particularly in Mid Sussex and Horsham districts, given the impacts of flight noise pollution, road traffic and development pressure. Thanks to CPRE’s work nationally, tranquillity is now recognised as an essential element of rural life, something largely incompatible with major international airports. The countryside around Gatwick already suffers from its proximity to the airport, the rural character of its green fields, lanes and woodlands under constant threat and its residents suffering from flight noise and pollution.

Global Infrastructure Partners, the airport’s owners, even cite Gatwick’s relatively rural location as a reason in favour of its development, suggesting that fewer householders would be impacted by heightened aircraft noise.

While there is an agreement preventing the development of a second runway at Gatwick before 2019, the airport’s owners have reportedly been preparing their case as that date approaches. A second runway would be promoted as necessary to meet the demands of an expanding population in London and the South East of England.

Under the headline “Gatwick Airport renews push for second runway”, on 23 June the Daily Telegraph ran an article stating that the airports owners “will resurrect proposals for a second runway...as it ramps up efforts to become London’s main gateway to Asia.”

CPRE Sussex is joining forces with its sister organisation, CPRE Surrey and is  in contact with GACC, the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, which campaigns to protect the local area.

CPRE Sussex invites its members and supporters to join our voice to resist expansion of Gatwick. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo: Dave Patten, with thanks