Gatwick airport has submitted a formal notice to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) of its intention to apply for permission to bring its standby runway into routine use.
The airport is proposing to use its existing “Northern Runway” to increase capacity for departing flights. The strip is currently only used in emergencies.
The plan was revealed in Gatwick’s master plan for growth and aims to bring the runway into regular use by the mid-2020s.
Members of the public can view updates on Gatwick’s application on the PINS website.
According to Gatwick, the first stages of the application process involve the airport carrying out surveys and preparing detailed environmental information on the Northern Runway plans later this year. A public consultation will be held next year, after which further updates to the plans will be incorporated. An application for development consent will then be made to PINS, which will examine the proposal and provide a recommendation to the government, which will make the final decision.
Tim Norwood, Gatwick’s chief planning officer, said: “As the biggest private investments in our region for many years, the start of the process to use our existing Northern Runway is a significant milestone. This project has the capacity to offer significant local economic benefits, new jobs and an exciting future for the region. As we take our plans forward, we are committed to working in partnership with our local communities, councils and partners to ensure we grow sustainably and present information in a clear and transparent way, including a more detailed stage of public consultation on the project next year.”
Gatwick may face a battle with environmental and community groups, with Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (CAGNE) already calling the airport’s plan an attempt to get a second runway “by stealth”. The group claims the strip will have to be moved in order to be used on a regular basis, therefore avoiding “the full parliamentary scrutiny”.
gatwickairport.com